Miracle 4 Michael & Friends.com
My Background
With over 20 years of experience in the fields of helping children and families. I've worked with Healthy Families, providing support, education, and resources to parents and children. Through that work—and my own personal experiences—I’ve seen how vital community connection and access to resources are for families. I hold a bachelor’s degree in educational and interdisciplinary studies and am trained as a Certified home health aide, Community Health Worker, and grant writer, which has strengthened my ability to guide families toward stability, empowerment, and hope.
My reason why
This foundation was not born from a boardroom, but birthed out of my survival. I am a singe mother, a tittle i wear with pride, but also a tittle that defines a daily 24-7 battel for my son Michael. When Michael was diagnosed at seven months of age with Hunter Syndrome Disease I didn't just receive a medical report; i received a mandate to become a nurse, and advocate, a therapist, and a tireless researcher, all while being a single parent. I know firsthand the crushing weight of this single parent of special needs reality. I know the paralyzing fear when a seizure happens at 2am and there is no one else to wake up to assist me. I know the exhaustion of advocating for medical care and managing behavioral outburst from autism effects while on an outing. I know what it is to be utterly overwhelmed, financially drained, and emotionally isolated, with fear of "what happens to Michael if something happens to me? "
I created this foundation because i realized that single parents like me are fighting an impossible ware, often with little to no support. I desired to turn my personal trial into a lifeline for others. Miracle 4 Michael & Friends exist to provide the resources, respite, and the community that i struggled to find. No parent, especially a single one, should have to navigate the complex, terrifying, and beautiful journey of raising a child with complex special needs alone. We don't just provide services; we provide understanding, solidarity, and hope to families whole feel like they are drowning.
The purpose
The purpose of this foundation is to connect families of children with disabilities to the many resources available within the Tampa Bay community. I want single parents to know that you are not alone—there are organizations and people ready to help and support you and your child.
For the past eighteen years, I have devoted my life to caring for my son. Now, my heart’s desire is to help others on their journey. I believe that by supporting one another, we can build stronger families and communities.
