Racing has always been at the heart of Mike’s joy and a way for him to connect with his loved ones. Growing up, he spent countless afternoons at the track with his father, surrounded by roaring engines and watching family friends compete. When he had the opportunity to witness iconic Indy 500 and NASCAR moments from the stands, every fiber of his being came alive. He even purchased his own car and drove in local drag races near his home in California.
Devotion to faith, family and community
Though his love for racing ran deep, it didn’t top his devotion to family and community. An electrician by trade, Mike went to great lengths to ensure his twin children were provided for, often working overtime so they could pursue their interests and higher education.
Mike and his wife, Diane, a home daycare provider, went out of their way to help others in their community by offering assistance with childcare and home improvement projects at no charge. With a deeply rooted faith in God as their foundation, the couple remained active in their church and consistently brought meals to families going through hard times. “We try to help or volunteer anywhere we can,” added Diane.
A life-altering change
In 2011, the man known for helping others suddenly became the one in need. Mike suffered a massive heart attack at age 55 and was given less than a half-percent chance of living through the night. He was rushed by ambulance to UCLA Health and placed at the top of the heart transplant list due to the severity of his condition. Fifteen days later, Mike received a new heart, followed by six weeks in the hospital.
Mike had survived against all odds, but he soon learned that survival was just the beginning. The journey remained grueling with an extended stay near the hospital, continued doctor’s visits, endless doses of medication, and daily battles with fatigue and depression. Mike was no longer able to work, and the lengthy recovery drained the couple’s retirement savings. “It’s taken everything we have to keep him alive,” Diane said.
The driving force back to joy
Through recovery, Mike’s young grandson Brooklyn became his driving force to persevere. “Brooklyn would sit on Papa’s bed all weekend and they would watch every kind of racing,” Diane remembered.
Mike and Brooklyn shared a love of Formula 1 racing in particular, though it was something they’d never had the chance to watch in person. Noticing the hope that Brooklyn brought into Mike’s life, Diane nominated her husband for a wish experience to see Formula 1 racing with Brooklyn, now a teenager, by his side.
Wish of a Lifetime jumped at the chance to provide Mike and his grandson with this moment of joy through their connection to Formula 1 racing. Mike and Brooklyn traveled to Austin, Texas, to attend the F1 US Grand Prix hosted at the Circuit of the Americas motorsports event venue. Arriving at the track early each morning, Mike and Brooklyn fully emersed themselves into race weekend, spectating sprint racing competitions and Porsche racing, too.
“It was flawless,” Mike said after the wish experience. “I am anxious because of my heart transplant, but that all went away when I got there. Getting to share this with Brooklyn was so special—Brooklyn will never forget it. Diane and I will never forget this. It’s a gift that will never be topped.”
After the wish, Diane saw a change in Mike that she believes will motivate him to persist in the days ahead, even with continued health complications. “Mike is a different man. He’s so happy!” Diane described. “This changed his mood in such an amazing way. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
Want to see more stories like Mike’s?
