On what should have been a peaceful late evening, our brother 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 with life-threatening injuries and immediately underwent emergency spinal surgery to stabilize his spine from his T8 to L1 vertebrae. While the surgery was successful, doctors discovered a complete spinal cord transection, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. They also identified a tear in his Aorta, another life-threatening injury, along with numerous other severe traumatic injuries.

Michael remains hospitalized and has recently been transferred to the Trauma Center Unit. His recovery will be long, challenging, and life-changing.

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 invested himself wholeheartedly in his new community. He has helped build connections through local recreational sports, faithfully serves within the church, volunteers his time, encourages others, and consistently puts the needs of those around him before his own. Anyone who knows Michael knows he is the first to lend a helping hand or lift someone’s spirits.

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

For someone who has been the first to answer the call when others need help, asking for help is one of the hardest things he will have to do.

Michael's faith has always been the foundation of his life. Whether serving at church, praying with strangers, building relationships, or living out his faith through acts of kindness, he has remained steadfast in his trust in God. Even through unimaginable circumstances, Michael continues to believe that God will guide him through miraculous healing, the dedication of rehabilitation, or the strength to embrace a new chapter of life.

As Michael begins the difficult road ahead, he faces significant medical expenses, extensive rehabilitation, specialized equipment needs, home modifications, and financial challenges that accompany a life-altering spinal cord injury.

Every donation, prayer, and act of support will make a meaningful difference for Michael and his family. Your generosity will help provide the resources he needs as he works toward rebuilding his independence and adaptability to his new reality. 

Thank you for standing beside Michael during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness, compassion, and support remind him that he is not facing this journey alone. 

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

We Are Raising Funds to Directly Support:

• Extensive ICU, surgical, and ongoing medical bills 

  • not covered by insurance or VA benefits

  • Specialized neurological care.

• Comprehensive, in‑person rehabilitation focused on paralysis recovery—

  • strength building 

  • mobility training

  • adaptive skills

  • daily‑living support.

• Home accessibility modifications,

  • ramps 

  • widened doorways

  • roll‑in shower installation

  • hospital‑grade bed

  • lift systems 

  • Other adaptive medical equipment.

• Accessible transportation solutions, 

  • wheelchair‑adapted vehicle 

  • Specialized mobility equipment to restore freedom of movement.

• Long‑term living and outpatient expenses for 12-18 months, until outside benefits kick in. 

  • Mortgage

  • Utilities

  • Insurance

• Essential logistical costs, 

  • travel for medical appointments

  • caregiver support

  • equipment maintenance

  • transitional needs during his new life journey.

While his spirit remains unbroken, this catastrophic event has become overwhelming. Although Michael is a veteran and has VA benefits, those benefits cannot immediately cover every need. Especially when many forms of assistance require lengthy application and approval processes. 

Even with his family supporting him in getting processes started through this transition, looking into as many resources he may qualify for, ensuring that he has as much emotional support inside the hospital, while also just as impactful outside. This process can be incredibly time-consuming and will take much longer to receive all of the financial support he needs in the immediate future.

If you are able, please consider donating to help aid this Marine, share his story, and keep him and his family in your prayers as he embarks on the journey ahead. Every act of kindness brings him one step closer to rebuilding his life.