Born with spastic cerebral palsy, Michael never had the same chance as other children to take his first steps.

Growing up in Dajabón, a rural community on the Dominican Republic–Haiti border, he has faced immense challenges; but his spirit has never faded. With the help of EP, Michael was provided a gait trainer that let him stand and take his first assisted steps.

Since then, he’s become part of our EP family, even volunteering on missions to help other children with privileges he’s long awaited himself.

Now, Michael needs surgery to correct his legs and finally walk on his own. His legs continue to deteriorate, and without surgery now, he loses the chance to ever walk. In the U.S., a child like Michael would have had access to early therapy and medical care—but in Dajabon, those opportunities simply don’t exist.

EP is raising $3,000 to help cover his surgery and recovery, and we’ll match every dollar up to $1,000 throughout this first weekend to help reach our goal. Even a small donation can mean the gift of walking—the chance for Michael to live freely, untethered from his parents’ arms. Any additional funds raised will go toward supporting our next Emergency Project mission back to the Dominican Republic, continuing the work of healing and hope that began with Michael.

Together, we can help Michael walk again. His surgery can be done as early as Thursday and must take place soon to give him the best possible outcome—every day counts.

Go to www.emergencyproject.org for more information about our work.

Help Michael Walk — Lets Fund His Surgery!