Michael Bergey

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Michael with Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb

Dear Family and Friends,

We are writing you on behalf of our dear son Michael Bergey. He is a young, beloved high school student whose expectations for a long and healthy life were placed in jeopardy following a tragic pool accident in August 2010. Michael was enjoying some free time with friends when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury after falling to the bottom of a pool. Michael is now a quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator to breathe.

After a lengthy stay in the intensive care unit, Michael was transferred to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital where he received extensive occupational and physical therapy along with family preparations for Michael to go home. After six months of hospitalization, Michael is home living with us and has the assistance of nurses, therapists and tutors. It has been a rough transition for Michael, who was months away from his high school graduation. Prior to his injury, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, playing with his dog and computer activities.

Coupled with physical and emotional difficulty, the cost of Michael’s care is overwhelming. We are hoping to purchase a vehicle that will provide Michael with greater mobility and independence. The cost of a modified van could be as much as $65,000. To assist with the costs of the van, home modifications and rehab, a fundraising campaign has been established with HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the transplant and catastrophic injury community for nearly 30 years. All contributions are tax-deductible and are administered for injury-related expenses only.Some of our family and friends are planning a fundraising event in the spring. We could certainly use your time and energy. Please email [email protected] to volunteer. Your support, kindness, prayer and generosity are greatly appreciated.

With sincere gratitude,

Carol and Matthew Bergey
215-289-4666
[email protected]