Michael’s Story: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Michael (b. January 16, 1949) spent his career working as a millwright at Ford Motor Company, a position that combined his mechanical skills with an artistic eye he once nurtured in high school art classes. Now retired and nearing his 76th birthday, Michael never imagined he would face one of his biggest challenges in the years meant for rest and relaxation.
In June 2023, Michael tripped over a threshold and broke his neck. It was a traumatic ordeal—he was placed in a medically induced coma and transferred from one hospital to another for specialized care. After a tracheotomy and an extended rehab stay, Michael’s immediate goal became a simple yet profound one: enjoy a holiday meal with his family. But by early 2024, swallowing had grown so difficult that he needed a feeding tube four times a day. He even lost the ability to manage his own saliva, making every day a struggle.
When their ENT recommended Esther at the Star Center Foundation, Michael and his wife, Jane, finally found a lifeline. From the start, Esther treated them with warmth and compassion, never rushing to talk insurance or making them feel like just another case file. She used innovative therapies—electrodes placed on Michael’s neck, careful exercises with crackers, yogurt, and bananas—to encourage swallowing and spark progress. For a while, he seemed on track to reclaim some of his independence.
Yet as the year wore on, Michael’s progress plateaued. A medical specialist suspected arthritis or other neurological factors interfering with his throat. Though the setbacks were disheartening, Esther’s dedication never wavered. She remained in constant contact, always offering support and new ideas. Jane recalls how Esther went “above and beyond” in searching for answers, eventually recommending they seek yet another opinion.
Despite these hurdles, Michael’s spirit shines brightly. With four children and multiple grandchildren, the entire family has rallied around him, treating the feeding tube as just another part of life. Still, he longs for the simple pleasure of savoring a cup of coffee in the morning or sitting down to a shared family dinner. He misses the joys of eating—especially Jane’s home cooking, which Esther has praised as the best she’s ever come across.
Though Michael couldn’t fulfill his wish of eating Thanksgiving dinner this year, he refuses to lose hope. The support from Esther and the Star Center Foundation has shown him that tenacity, compassion, and creative thinking can pave the way for future successes—even when the path seems uncertain. Today, Michael and Jane remain grateful for Esther’s relentless kindness and skill, knowing that while the journey continues, they are in the caring hands of someone who truly understands.
(Names have been changed to protect privacy.)