Michael Mavis, a fitness trainer from Granville, Michigan, recently experienced flu like symptoms leading to paralysis, later learning it was much more than a mild sickness, reported Grand Rapids Patch. Michael was diagnosed with a rare immune system disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome. While he battles the disease, its symptoms and his recovery journey, his fitness family has stepped up to support him during this time.
Guillain-Barre syndrome, GBS, is a disease that attacks one’s nerves, causing a delay in nerve communication which results in paralysis. For Michael, he first noticed something was wrong when he suddenly couldn’t lift his arm above his head, so to the hospital he went. To gain his strength and mobility back, it will take physical therapy and could be many months before he can make a full recovery.
Michael is a married man with two kids. The burden of medical costs can be stress-inducing to anyone with a rare disease, especially a family. Yet, thanks to his family at Fit Body Boot Camp, he can find relief in knowing that they will support him.
The owner, Matt Wilber, decided to keep paying Michael during his recovery time and additionally started a GoFundMe campaign page with a goal of raising $30,000 for him and his family. The fitness community quickly came together and within just days successfully raised $28,000. It doesn’t stop there. The company agreed to give $.50 for every dollar raised and will continue that up to $10,000. With this incredible support, Michael can focus solely on his recovery rather than strategizing on how to pay his medical bills.
Valerie said Michael would never ask for help on his own. Yet, he’s touched so many lives while teaching classes that it was the least the company and their clients could do to give back. They are a family, and that’s what families do.
