A Friend in Need – Mikhail's Family

Asians are tough—they don’t do GoFundMe. They keep it to themselves.

That line has stuck with me. But in times like this, what truly matters is care. I’m reaching out—because dignity and healing shouldn’t be kept silent.

To everyone who knows our dear friend Mikhail, there’s no easy way to say this, but I ask for a few moments of your time. This is my way of helping a friend who stands his ground through every storm—unwavering and cheerful, always jolly—but deep down, he’s someone who also needs help. With his full consent, I’m writing on his behalf. You can always reach out to him directly, but I’ve chosen to carry a part of his burden for now.

Last year, his father underwent an above-knee amputation (AKA) due to vascular complications related to a long history of smoking. Four years earlier, Mikhail’s mother passed away from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While the family continued to support each other, his father also suffered a mini-stroke. A series of co-morbidities aligned, leading to this journey.

As of today, his father is back in the hospital for another above-knee amputation—this time on the remaining leg, making him a bilateral above-knee amputee (BKA).

There will be significant costs ahead:

• Surgery

• Hospitalization

• Medications

• Wound care

• Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy

• Transportation for follow-ups

• Basic needs while he recovers

On Mikhail’s behalf, I ask for your support—whether it’s a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this page. Let’s help give them a head start. A breather. The past few years have not been kind, and any form of assistance can make a worldly difference.

Family, relatives, and friends are coming together to give a piece of themselves to help. Thank you once again!

With gratitude,

Jayson Ayan