Michael’s Story

Site created on August 14, 2021

It's time to share with Michael's family and friends that he tested positive for COVID early August, 2021. 

On Saturday, August 7th, he was taken by ambulance to HCMC and has been in the ICU due to complications from COVID.  He is currently on day 8 of intensive care with the medical experts.  He is very sick.  He is being extremely cared for by HCMC.  This has been and will continue to be a roller coaster for him.  Currently, he has been intubated (ventilator), he has been paralyzed by the medical team so that they can control how they administer oxygen to Michael.  Yesterday (Aug. 13), we learned  his lungs are in trouble and he needs to give them a rest in how they are giving him oxygen.  We have made the decision to help him with extra care by putting him on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation- life support).  In speaking with the Pulmonologist, he said these things about Michael...he is optimistic that Michael can recover, he is a young man, in good health, kidneys are good, heart is good, pulse is good.  

Michael is the father of four amazing children.  Brendan (24), Clare (23), Morgan (19),  and Liam (17).  He is also Papa to Brendan's amazing daughter, Cecilia (2 1/2).   Susan and Tom, his parents live a mile and a half from Michael and Erin in Saint Anthony Village, MN.  He is the brother to his younger sister, Kate, and uncle to her children Casey and Waylon.  Michael has been in a long relationship with his significant other, Erin.  Michael LOVES his family!  He is also a determined man who is well-accomplished.  Last year, when the pandemic changed all of our lives, he made a decision to start his own insurance business through Farmer's Insurance.  At the same time of his insurance studies and new business adventure, he wanted to play a more active roll in his community and noticed the fire department was recruiting volunteer fire fighters.  He was accepted into the program and studied diligently succeeding in all of his testing far above average.  We are proud to say that our Michael is a part of the fire team and is a volunteer Fire Fighter!  

What we ask of you is to hold him up in all blessings and good health to heal properly, trust his care provider experts, and TO NOT GIVE UP on him to BRING HIM HOME!  Pray hard, Pray often.  ALL GOOD ENERGY FOR HIM!  

Tom, Sue, Brendan, Clare, Morgan, Liam, Cecilia, Kate, Casey, Waylon and Erin

Newest Update

Journal entry by Erin Kintop

A quick "warm hello" to every one of you who followed our journey last year.  

I had the pleasure of taking the day off to be with Michael for his 48th birthday.  

Last year on this day, he was at Hennepin County ICU heavily sedated with no awareness of my presence in his room, reading birthday cards, playing music, and sharing private words with him.  Our family was uncertain of his/our future.  It was helpless and terrifying to live this and see him this way.  

And, now we are where we hoped, prayed, and yearned for...celebrating together!  Waking up next to one another, enjoying our breakfast outing and this beautiful day.  

It's surreal most times to look back at where we were and how far we have come.  I've learned so much with all we have been through but most importantly that the small things are my most important moments and that I do not take much for granted these days.  

There is not a day that goes by that I don't get overwhelmed from all of our support we had.  I do not forget how far we have come and what if felt like to go through what we have and how lucky we are to be right here where we are now.  

So, I will simply wish my Michael a very happy birthday.  How very special this day is for me.  I sure hope it's as special for you.  

All my love, 
Erin 


Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Michael Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $30 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Michael's site for one month. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top