Michael Smith

Help Mike Prove the Doctors Wrong - Urgent I wanted to share with y’all shocking news about my health and this urgent new fundraiser. Ventilators, Feeding Tubes and a Blood Transfusion Several weeks ago, I was intubated on a ventilator with feeding tubes. My lungs were pumping at 0%, which means they weren't working at all. All the while getting a blood transfusion. It was a miracle I survived. This happens all too often. Over and over again for years. It’s why the Mayo Clinic said there was “nothing that can be done“. Well, I wanna prove them wrong. I’m not gonna slowly die away!! I am going to survive. {cue in the theme music to Rocky 1 and 3} Why We Need Your Help I lost my Obamacare insurance (which was $300/month). So now, I have to pay $1700 a month to keep my plan with BCBS of Texas. It is an amazing plan that has kept me alive. But I have to come up with the money ASAP. The goal of my GoFundMe is to raise enough funds to cover my premiums for a few months and for expenses related to surviving and recovering from this latest maelstrom. My goal is $6000, but y’all have been so generous before. I will take any help I can get. Who is Mike? Mike is a crusading investigative reporter who has worked on dozens of documentaries & books. He 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: His entire left side is paralyzed. So, he requires 32 neuromuscular injections every 3 months to get some functionality. • Compromised immune system from dozens of hospital-acquired "superbugs" that have made him resistant to most antibiotics. • Severe hearing and speech impairment requiring specialized equipment and treatment from the top audiologist in Texas. Special thanks to family and friends who have helped so much over the years. Especially Jason Bratcher, my best friend for 40 years who has given his love and support to me every damn step of the way. And David Smith, who has single-handedly kept me alive for a long time. And thank you to everybody who has given support and donations. a I’ve not been able to thank everybody, but I promise I will. {cue Eye of the Tiger} #Inspiration #AVM #Survivor #AVMSurvivor #AVMStrong #AVMStories #aneurysm #nevergiveup #neverquit #TAAF #AVMWarrior #TheBeastSpeaks #hospitalacquiredinfection #MayoClinic #arteriovenousmalformation #MollyIvins #DanRather #LBJHigh #CBSNews #PBSFrontline #Minutaglio

For His Birthday Present - Please Donate to His GoFundMe Hi everyone. We wanted to give you an update on Mike's current situation. He has been hospitalized for pneumonia, MRSA, possibly sepsis and has lost use of both arms probably due to inflammation. It is a dangerous time. Please send Mike your prayers and healing thoughts. We had originally planned to post the fundraiser drive for his birthday but since it's been difficult to communicate with Mike, we are going for a belated birthday fundraiser. The Crisis Investigative journalist Mike Smith faces a life-threatening emergency. His immune system is crashing and his health insurance premiums have quadrupled overnight. He needs immediate help or he will lose access to vital medical care at the worst time. He has to raise $3500 in the next two weeks in order to maintain access to his insurance benefits. In the near future, we would like to raise more so that Mike won’t have to worry about his health premiums for a few months. Who is Mike? Mike is a crusading investigative reporter who has worked on dozens of books. He 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 We Need: $3500 NOW. Our Long-Term Goal for GoFundMe: 5 months of health insurance premiums Essential living expenses Consultant support for Disability and Mayo clinic help. 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! Long term he needs to transition to safer in-home care in Austin near his support network. 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.