Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Can We Get Mike on Ellen? YES WE CAN!

For quite a few years now, I have been blessed to be a part of the Canadian Children with Diabetes Friends for Life Conferences.  At these events, I get to talk to many wonderful people and enjoy conversations with amazing individuals.  It was at one of those events that I first met Mike Fisher. He was a seemingly quite young man with a sweet smile and a story that would amaze you. It was his story that brought him to the event--to inspire and empower our children.  He has continued to do so for a number of years since.

As an adventurous young teen of 18, Mike Fisher took a friend's motorcycle for a ride.  Thanks to an error made by the driver in the car in front of him, he was in a life threatening accident that resulted in the loss of his leg.  While in recovery, he reminded his mother that his shifting leg was still good and that, to me, set the stage to show what a resilient young man he would be, could be, and is!

Mike soon was walking again and ready to take on more of life's challenges.  His next challenge was again something he never imagined. Once again his life was in jeopardy as he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 19.  It is no surprise that Mike states publicly that this second blow was exceptionally difficult and depression did creep into his life. 

Mike is now 25, a member of the Canadian Paralympic snow boarding team, and an inspiration to many children and adults alike.  He was recently a part of the five day, George Canyon Heroes Tour sponsored by Animas.  Myself, my son, and Larry's daughter all had the privilege of listening to Mike and the other heroes speak.

Mike still has an infectious grin and a  developing mischievous side.  George Canyon complained about him throwing his leg into George's lap while they were flying!  Mike has become more open, more confident in speaking to groups over the years.  Besides looking forward to the 2014 Winter Paralympic Games, he now also has a new goal...one that we can help him to achieve! 

Mike getting his groove on!
I never knew it before May 14th, but it seems that Mike Fisher can bust a move with the best of them! He is quite the dancer whose current goal is to be on The Ellen Show and dance with her! It is our job in the diabetes community and beyond to make this happen. Can we do it? Well in the words of Bob the Builder, YES WE CAN!

I had somehow heard rumour of Mike wanting to do the Ellen thing but I really didn't pay attention to it until the Heroes tour. At that point, they put on music and I got to watch him perform. It was fabulous! He is great! He is entertaining and he would be a perfect fit to the Ellen Show! At the show, George Canyon asked the audience to video tape Mike Fisher and send the videos to Ellen, begging her to put him on in November for Diabetes Awareness Month. When I got home, I emailed my friend Sandy Struss and asked her if she knew "how" one went about doing this. She gave me the link and I promised her I would sent it to everyone I knew and people that I didn't. We would make this happen!
Yes, his presence would be larger than life :)

There are a lot of people who do neat things. There are a lot of people who want to be on tv so what makes Mike so special you may be asking yourself.  Why should you take your time to fill out the Ellen request and share this story with your friends? 
Yes, he lost a leg--tragic. 
Yes, he has diabetes--so do a few other people. 
Yes, he battled depression--who doesn't these days?

You would have to meet Mike to truly answer that question for yourself.  All I can tell you is that he is a sweet, charming young man.  His smile is infectious.  His laughter lights up a room.  He tells his story with honesty and raw emotion. He could easily be one on my sons and he amazes me. He makes me want to do al I can to make his dream come true....AND I happen to think that he would be another AMAZING spokesperson for people with diabetes.

You don't have to take my word for it but if you haven't met Mike Fisher, it would really help if you did because we really want to make this happen for him and for the diabetes community!

This is what I want you to do.  Go to the Ellen show and tell her why we need Mike on her show in November. Let her know that he can dance, has and amazing story and please, tell your story as well (you have 1500 characters).

The second thing that I want you to do is to share this post!! Spread the word! Let your friends read about Mike.  Beg them. Let them know that for a change we are not asking for money just help to make a dream come true and spread a little joy for a lot of people whose lives he touches. As I said at the beginning, Mike Fisher is a young man with a stroy that touches your heart and he is a great ambassador for people living with diabetes.

So let's put on our Bob the Builder hats and YES WE CAN get Mike on Ellen!!!  Share!
Tweet!
Facebook the story, the links!
Just don't do nothing and let's get Mike on Ellen this November!!!

1 comment:

  1. Just tweeted, Facebook, google plused and most importantly, sent the message to Ellen! Keep on pushing us all Barbra!

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