Meet Micheal from Kosciusko County

On October 6th, 1996, Micheal’s life changed forever. On this ordinary fall day, Micheal was driving through is hometown, Warsaw, to go play basketball with his brothers. While turning left through a traffic light, Micheal was hit by a lady who ran a red light and was ejected from his car. Tragically, at only 16 years old, Micheal was paralyzed and soon classified as a quadriplegic.

Micheal was referred to REAL Services shortly after he returned home from the hospital. For 19 years, REAL Services has been a major part of his life.

“I've had a good attitude about everything” the now 36-year-old says. REAL Services, as well as his family, have been huge supporting elements in his ongoing recovery. “It’s good to have a good support system around me,” he explains. Micheal lives with his mother and father and frequently receives visits from his two brothers and sister.

After his accident, Micheal refused to let his disabilities hold him back. He quickly received his GED and then continued on to graduate with honors from Ivy Tech. Micheal received a degree in computer information systems due to his interest in computers. He spent time tutoring at at Ivy Tech for two years before they had to downsize. Now, Micheal spends his time watching sports, using his voice activated computer, and spending time with family.

Micheal explains that being with REAL Services for so long has helped him adjust to his conditions tremendously. “I don’t know how I would go about getting the things I need if it was not for REAL Services.” The agency connected him with home health services that he receives three times per week. The agency assists with receiving hospital equipment such as new wheelchairs every few years and a wheel chair lift. Micheal says that they also helped him get his favorite device, his voice activated computer. “It’s really cool,” he says. “I just say the words and it types all the words for me.”

Micheal expresses his gratitude towards the help REAL Services has given him. “I’m really thankful for what they’re done for me and will continue to be thankful for what they do for me.” Although Micheal battles daily struggles, his mentality is in high spirits. “They [REAL Services] just need to keep doing what they’re doing, making sure people get what they need, and help out as much as they can.”