Meet Michael: 2022 Family Advocacy Day Champion

Michael is participating in Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day from June 12-14. Through this event, Michael and his family will discuss his health journey, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare’s role in providing him with necessary health care services, and why the public and our elected officials must invest in the future of patients like Michael.

Michael’s parents knew there would be complications at birth. He was born at 26 weeks gestation and suffered a grade 3 hemorrhage the day after he was born.

“We knew that there would be more than the normal doctor appointments,” says Louise, Michael’s mother. 

Michael was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy and dystonia, and hip dysplasia. He has been in a wheelchair since he was two years old. 

Currently, Michael is 10 years old and doing well and his medical status has remained steady for many years. He goes to online school and likes basketball.