This is one of my very best friends, Mike Bond. He is also one of the most amazing and inspirational people I know. He is a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a photographer, an engineer... There are so many things I could say about him, but I’ll try to keep this short.

Thirty-four years ago, an accident left Mike paralyzed. Instead of accepting a “limited” life, he fought hard, overcame unimaginable challenges, and got back to living life on his terms. He didn’t rely on the system to support him and his family — he worked. Mike built a full and successful career and retired from SKF as an engineer just three years ago.

He is a miracle and a blessing in so many ways.

On April 16th, Mike suffered a life-threatening stroke. He was airlifted from Prisma/Tuomey to Prisma/Richland, where he spent two weeks in the ICU. Once medically stable, he was transferred to Roger C. Peace Rehab Hospital in Greenville, where he is expected to remain until at least mid-June.

Every day, Mike works tirelessly with speech, occupational, and physical therapists to regain some of the functions lost during the stroke — including the use of his arms and hands and vision in one eye. Progress has been slow and therapy is incredibly hard, but Mike’s positive attitude, sense of humor, and determination have never faded. His therapists and nurses adore him. Honestly, you can’t help but love Mike.

The love of his life — and my other bestie — Carol, has not left his side. She is an absolute rock, and together they are facing this challenge with strength, love, and courage.

When Mike comes home, life is going to look different. They will need specialized equipment and additional assistance that they never needed before. Like so many hardworking people, Mike and Carol planned responsibly for retirement and future medical needs — but no one could have anticipated something like this happening so soon.

One of the difficult realities they now face is that because Mike worked hard his entire life instead of depending on the system, much of the equipment he now needs is not covered. For example, a radar detection system for his wheelchair — necessary because he now has vision in only one eye — costs approximately $10,000 out of pocket.

Mike and Carol are two of the most loving, caring, and generous people you could ever meet. If you know them, chances are you’ve personally experienced their kindness at some point. They would never ask for a dime from anyone, but I am hoping we can now give some of that love and generosity back to them during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

I know that any support, prayers, shares, or donations would mean the world to Mike and Carol as they navigate this journey together. Much love, Julie