Michael Connell Medical Fund

Friends and Family:

We all know Michael as the 6’4” handsome, muscular, strong, healthy, happy, fun loving and kind guy who cares deeply about his family and friends. He would do anything for any one of us without us ever asking. Now Michael needs our help. Many of you have asked for updates on Michael and how you could help. He is thankful for your prayers, visits, phone calls and thoughtful support. A fundraising site has been set up to help with the medical expenses from this unforeseen illness. Plumfund.com. Please share this post to spread the word about Michael Connell’s Medical Expense Fund.

On May 16th, Michael checked into St Vincent’s Hospital vomiting with severe stomach pain. He was diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis. Being unique as he is in many ways, he is also out of the ordinary, because the doctors have not been able to pinpoint the cause of his condition. He doesn’t seem to have any of the common causes that would result in acute pancreatitis. And, in addition, he is now diabetic, insulin dependent. Michael spent ten days in the hospital the first time, and then was sent home for a few days to find out that he was let go too soon. In the days following, his pain level grew unbearably and after an emergency visit with a doctor and a second CT scan, was readmitted to the hospital for another week. After several CT scans and Medical Specialists the cause of his illness remains to be determined by more medical procedures. Michael is home now with added complications from his illness, still dealing with high levels of pain, fatigue and lack of appetite every day. In fact, he has been 90% bedridden with occasional walks. The prognosis is that it may take two to three months for this critical stage to subside, after which he will need to regain his strength to be able to work again. Bonnie and John (Mom & Dad) have come to stay with Michael to take care of him, as he is unable to function on his own or be left alone.

Difficulties never come at a good time, but this in particular is bad timing. Michael recently left his job with the winery in Seattle and was planning to spend the summer doing what he loves to do best, climbing and cutting trees to help out his friends. It’s very impressive to watch him climb way up high with his chain saw in tow and then cut and drop the tree limbs perfectly where he wants them to fall. If you have ever hired him to work for you, you know there is no one better than Michael for the job. This is just one side of Michael and everyone knows him for something different since he’s a man of many talents and gifts. His willingness to lend a helping hand when you need a strong person, his amazing wine cellars that he meticulously crafts and installs, his ability to help in household repairs and improvements, his willingness to share his multiple tools and gadgets or just share a great bottle of wine and an amazing dinner, is what we all know and love about Michael.

It is time now for us as his friends and family to step up and help Michael, as we all know he would do the same for us. Please continue to keep Michael in your prayers and donate what you can to help defray the mounting costs of his medical expenses. All funds received through Plumfund.com will go directly towards these expenses that continue to grow as he fights to combat this illness that has immobilized him for now.

Pay it forward! Life has many surprises for all of us, but together we will stand united and we will take care of each other.