The JM Story
On December 14, 2015, John Michael Night left for school as usual not knowing that within the hour his life would be forever changed. Just a few weeks prior he had just signed his National Letter of Intent to play D1 lacrosse for Mercer University. But at the age of 17, John Michael suffered a massive brainstem stroke that left him locked-in.
This condition known as Locked-In Syndrome (LIS), leaves its victims fully aware and cognizant but unable to move or communicate. He was only able to move his eyes up and down for the first month. Thanks to the generosity of our friends and community, he has, through much intensive therapy, regained movement, had the feeding tube removed, drinks from a straw and his speech is slowly returning.
​
After three weeks in an ICU and five and a half months at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA, John Michael returned home to continue his therapy. To this day he has speech, occupational, and physical therapy four to five times a week and many other extra treatments and activities to stimulate his brain.
​
John Michael still has a long road ahead, but through our faith and his hard work and determination, he is doing it and he will recover and get his life back.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly
come and will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3
Show Your Support
There are 2 ways you can help support
John Michael throughout his recovery
Spread The Love
Through spreading the hashtag #JMStrong24 and sending love and support via pictures, videos and personal messages of encouragement, you can help John Michael see just how many people are pulling for him. The road to recovery is long and difficult, but with your support, John Michael can have the motivation to get through the bad days while working towards a better tomorrow.
Make A Donation
John Michael continues to have therapy five to six days a week, four to five hours a day. We continue to research and include many devices, equipment, treatments and specialists into his therapies. Unfortunately, insurance does not even begin to cover a fraction of the costs. It is through all we have done and continue to do that John Michael has made progress and will as he claims, "walk again". Thank you for helping to make this a reality for him.