The Crisis

Investigative journalist Mike Smith faces a life-threatening emergency. His health insurance premiums have quadrupled overnight, and without immediate help, he'll lose access to the vital medical care keeping him alive.

Who is Mike?

Mike is a crusading investigative reporter who has worked on dozens of documentaries & books. He has worked directly with Dan Rather on CBS 60 Minutes after cutting his teeth with legendary columnist Molly Ivins and being mentored by journalist Bill Minutaglio. His story was portrayed by Topher Grace in the 2015 film "Truth" starring Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett.

What Happened?

In 2016, Mike suffered two devastating brain hemorrhages that left him with:

• Brown-Séquard syndrome requiring 32 neuromuscular injections every 3 months to prevent his entire left side from becoming paralyzed

• Severe hearing and speech impairment requiring specialized equipment and treatment from the only qualified doctor in Texas

• Compromised immune system from dozens of hospital-acquired "superbugs" that have made him resistant to most antibiotics

The Immediate Danger

Without insurance, Mike will lose:

• Critical injections that prevent total left-side paralysis

• Specialized hearing/speech & other medical treatments

• Physical therapy & occupational therapy sessions

• Protection against deadly infections

• Any chance of getting into Mayo Clinic for advanced care

Current Progress

Mike is making remarkable recovery progress at Wellington Rehabilitation Center in Temple, TX. His right leg function and memory are improving for the first time in years! But he needs to transition to safer in-home care in Austin near his support network.

What We Need:

$9000 we raised from previous version of this campaign + $10000 for new expenses = $19000 that is our new overall goal to pay for:

• 5 months of health for premiums

• Mayo Clinic application and transportation

• Essential living expenses during transition

• Disability application support

Right now, we are focused on just getting a note to pay the premium in the next few days.

Why This Matters

Mike is documenting his healthcare journey to help others facing similar battles. Your support doesn't just save his life—it helps him turn this fight into hope and knowledge for countless others.

The Mission

Get Mike the specialized care he needs, keep him close to his Austin community, and ensure this story becomes one of triumph over a broken healthcare system.

Every dollar brings us closer to saving Mike's life and helping him help others.

Mike is surrounded by amazing friends and supporters who believe in this mission. With your help, we can get him the care he needs and turn this crisis into a wellspring of hope.

If you’re not able to contribute financially at this time, please share with your network. Or email us at mikesmedicaljourney

@gmail.com if you’re interested and have time to help with fundraising related activities (more on this soon)

#AVM #AVMSurvivor #donate #AVMStrong #AVMStories #aneurysm #nevergiveup #neverquit #TAAF #AVMWarrior #hospitalacquiredinfection #sanitizedgrouphome #MayoClinic