Miguel Sanchez

Family and friends of Miguel Sanchez are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a catastrophic injury. Miguel has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.

His story~

On what should have been a peaceful late evening, Miguel “Michael” Sanchez, a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran was riding his bicycle home after a routine ride to unwind from Indiana’s summer heat. Just minutes from home, his life changed forever when a vehicle traveling approximately 50 mph struck him from behind.

The impact was devastating. By the grace of God, Michael survived.

He was airlifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with life‑threatening injuries and immediately underwent emergency spinal surgery to stabilize his spine from T8 to L1. Doctors then confirmed a complete spinal cord transection, resulting in permanent paralysis from the waist down. They also identified a torn aorta which is another critical injury along with numerous other severe traumatic injuries.

Michael was hospitalized for 55 days in the Trauma Center Unit before being transferred to the VA Hospital for continued inpatient care. Due to the intensity of his injuries and the medications required to stabilize him, he remained bed‑bound for weeks and only recently began limited physical therapy. His recovery will be long, complex, and life‑altering.

At 37 years old, Michael has always dedicated his life to serving others. He is originally from Washington State; he recently moved to Indiana with a clear purpose: to be closer to his daughter, play an active role in her life, and build a future rooted in family. Being present in her everyday life wasn’t just a goal; it was the reason he made the move. 

Even at a young age, Michael had such a drive for community that he felt drawn to serve not just his community and family, but also his country. After graduation, he spent four years as a MOS 1341 Engineer Equipment Mechanic at MTACS-38, MWCS-38, Miramar, San Diego. Michael also wasn’t one to stop at just succeeding at being one of the best. He had to be the best of the best. He scored perfect 300’s on all of his PFT’s and CFT’s, while also being an Expert Marksman on the rifle range. He was the embodiment of what a Marine was meant to be. 

Since arriving in Indiana, Michael has poured himself into his community. He built friendships through recreational sports, served faithfully in church, volunteered his time, encouraged others, and consistently put the needs of those around him first. Anyone who knows Michael knows he is the first to show up, the first to help, and the first to lift someone’s spirits.

Now, he needs that same community to rally around him.

Michael’s faith remains unwavering, even in the face of unimaginable change. He continues to trust that God will guide him—through healing, through rehabilitation, and through the strength required to embrace a new chapter of life.

As he begins this difficult journey, Michael faces verified and significant medical needs:

• Extensive ICU and surgical costs

• Long‑term inpatient rehabilitation

• Specialized neurological and mobility equipment

• Home accessibility modifications

• Transportation solutions for wheelchair mobility

• Ongoing medical expenses during recovery

These needs have been formally documented, reviewed, and verified by medical professionals and care coordinators.

As a registered nonprofit organization, all contributions made toward Michael’s recovery are tax‑deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Donors will receive appropriate documentation for tax purposes, ensuring transparency, accountability, and confidence in how funds are used.

Every donation, prayer, and act of support makes a meaningful difference. Your generosity directly provides the resources Michael needs to rebuild his independence, adapt to his new reality, and continue being the father, veteran, and community member he strives to be.

Thank you for standing beside Michael during this life‑changing time. Your compassion reminds him—and all of us—that he is not facing this journey alone.

Together, we can help Michael move forward with hope, dignity, and strength.