Michael’s Story

Site created on February 10, 2021

While shoveling heavy snow on Friday, Mike felt symptoms of a heart attack. He was taken to Butterworth Hospital by ambulance and was admitted for a series of tests. Results revealed that he did not have a heart attack; however, they also showed four blocked arteries in his heart---one at 100%, two at 90%, and the fourth at 50%. His team decided that he should stay in the hospital and have surgery as soon as possible. Mike is undergoing quadruple bypass surgery beginning on Wednesday, February 10 at 8:15am. We will use this page to post updates to family and friends throughout Mike's recovery. Thank you so much for your continued well wishes and prayers! 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Heather Saunders

Mike is home and doing great!  To help him in his recovery, we set up a Meal Train. You can find it by clicking the link here: Mike's Meal Train

If you're in the area and willing to help, we'd love the support. Mike must eat "heart-healthy," which emphasizes that he eat fruits, veggies, whole grains (high fiber), low dairy, skinless, poultry and fish (fish encouraged), nuts and legumes, non-tropical oils. Mike cannot have red meat, salt, and needs to limit sugars.

Additionally, one of his primary caretakers has a gluten allergy, so gluten-free is preferred. If you have questions on what's okay, please call Heather at (616)485-8652. If the meal isn't gluten-free, please let us know. :)

Here is a resource of recipe ideas from the American Health Association: American Health Association

We'd love it if you could drop the meal off at the front door. You're welcome to knock and say hi safely. Please wear a mask and stay on the porch for Mike's safety. You're also just welcome to leave it and send a text. If you can't drop the meal off, contact Pat at (616)648-1420 or Jessie at (989)255-6502, and we can pick it up. 

He asked us to write that he wants to personally thank everyone who has reached out in the past week. It means more than you know, and he feels the support. 

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