Meet Michael

Michael was a hard-working father of three.  He and his wife, Cathy, could not have expected their lives to be shaken the way it was when their youngest daughter fell seriously ill.  After taking her to the local emergency room, they discovered that her illnesses were far more severe than they expected.  Michael’s daughter was airlifted from the local hospital to UCSF.  Over the course of the next several weeks, Michael and Cathy spent hours and days at their daughter’s side.  Doctors and medical staff worked to cure her life-threatening condition and Michael and Cathy sat by her bedside. 

During this time both Michael and Cathy were not working so that they could be next to their little girl.  As their medical bills increased and their income decreased Michael and Cathy were left feeling depleted. 

After nearly two months in the hospital, their daughter was able to return home.  Though Michael and Cathy were able to return to work, the result of the increased medical costs and the time away from their jobs proved to be a financial hardship that was too great for them to overcome.  Michael and Cathy were facing eviction and were unsure of how they would ever get back on their feet. 

The Salvation Army was able to provide Michael and Cathy with the financial resources to keep their home and regain stability within their family. 

Each year, The Salvation Army of Santa Rosa helps thousands of families like Michael and Cathy’s with support to avoid eviction, the loss of utilities, and other unexpected financial hardships.  When you donate to a red kettle or ring a bell for The Salvation Army this Christmas, you are helping families stay on their feet all year long.  You are a part of our mission Behind the Bell.