ABC~Please Give Mike Rea A Home Makeover!!!
- by: Nancy Rehm
On June 16, 2006, Mike was doing what he loves most in the world~training a race horse at Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, MD! Known for his skill to work with difficult horses, Mike had been asked to train this high-spirited animal by another trainer. One minute, friends saw him go by at a full gallop. Thirty minutes later, he was found unconscious & barely breathing. The force of the fall was so hard that, even with a helmet, Mike sustained a severe 4 quadrant brain injury and stopped breathing for a time. After three weeks in the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Unit, Mike was transferred to Kernan Hospital Rehabilitation Center and then to Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation (just one mile from his home). With his family in constant attendance all these months, Mike has battled to regain control over many daily tasks we take for granted like speech, memory and motor skills. He has faced his journey towards recovery as he has lived his life…with faith, courage and spirit. And although he has made miraculous strides and is considered a miracle to have come so far so quickly, he is still unable to go home to his wife and children (ages 19, 13, 5, & 1). Unfortunately, Mike’s home does not accommodate for the things a disabled person needs. The hallways and doorways are too narrow for a wheelchair, all bedrooms and baths or showers are upstairs and are not handicapped accessible. When the doctors do release Mike from the hospital, he needs a home where he can function.Please help us help Mike and his family rebuild their lives!
(Requested information signing is per ABC's "Nominating A Family" Application but WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED ON THIS SITE!)
Mike is a husband, father of four young children, son, brother and highly respected as a race horse trainer. He always considered himself fortunate that he was able to earn a living, provide for his family AND follow his passion.
A few weeks prior to Mike’s accident, another member of the Fair Hill Training family sustained a life-threatening injury. His name is Barbaro. And because of www.timwoolleyracing.com and through Tim Woolley’s assistant, Alex Brown, a worldwide community of “Barbaromaniacs” have been born. Mike and Barbaro’s lives have intertwined since then. Both were given a bleak prognosis after their accidents and both are defying the odds with their spirit, courage and sheer will to make a “come back.” They are encouraging, inspiring and giving hundreds of others hope and compassion. The many talented, caring, unselfish & "do what's right" individuals on TWR’s site are united; working together to improve life for others (both man and animal). As one Barbaromaniac posted: “Your injuries and subsequent journeys of healing serve to remind us all how very precious our relations with our equine charges are and how very fragile we all can be. But we are also inspired by the great faith, courage, and perseverance embodied in you, Barbaro, and all of your wonderful family, friends, healers, and other members of our worldwide, extended barn family. Yours is yet another seldom-told story of how the people of our nation, especially our horse people, regularly rally with open hearts, fervent prayers, and whatever resources they may offer in support of those who endure life-changing events."
The Barbaro Effect is in motion. With your help, the small change we are hoping to make for Mike Rea will lead to dramatically different results (a home that the Rea family can functionally use).
Believe in Miracles, Believe in Barbaro, Believe in Mike Rea!
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