1978 -2005

Mike began speaking with P.A.R.T.Y Program following his life changing injury on May 24, 1998. Returning home after a rodeo event he fell asleep at the wheel, and was thrown from the truck landing face down in a ditch. He was flown to hospital via STARS with life threatening injuries. Many of the bones in his back were fractured; his brain injured, lungs punctured from fractured ribs, and his liver torn. He spent many weeks in the Intensive Care Unit, eventually moving to the rehabilitation unit for to learn how to live with his disabilities and life in a wheelchair. Shortly after his release he approached us to share his message with the young people attending P.A.R.T.Y Program at the Foothills Hospital. His initial message was short and to the point; "I fell asleep, wasn't wearing my seat belt, was thrown from the truck; broke my back and here I am!" His responses to questions were equally succinct; "Yes or No" was as wordy as he could muster! With coaching and encouragement, positive feedback from students and teachers, he gained confidence and became an excellent ambassador for the program. Initially he had difficulty dealing with the sudden change in his world, but soon was playing wheel chair rugby (murderball) and qualified for the National team.
Mike passed away in 2005 and will always be sadly missed by everyone at the P.A.R.T.Y Program.