Michael Bartolo, Afghan War Hero was critically injured on September 6th 2013 in motorcycle accident.  He suffered multiple injuries and a traumatic brain injury which has left him in a minimally conscious state. He is unable to walk or talk and requires constant nursing care. 

Saturday, April 6, 2019


UPDATE 4-5-19- 

All is well with Michael. His health remains stable and there is not much new to report. We continue to take him home each day for daily visits. He handles the trip back and forth with no issues, in fact we believe his awareness has increased as he oftens appears a bit stressed and lets out a loud moan upon his arrival to the facility.

My wife continues her diligent effort of stretching him arms every day. This too let's us know he has become more aware, He does not enjoy her doing it and tries to appear to be sleeping so she won't disturb him. However she does not let that deter her. She shaves him every other day and cleans his mouth daily. He appears to enjoy the shaving, however does not like the mouth cleaning. She cleans the inside of his mouth as he makes it extremely difficult for the aides to do. Another sign of awareness.

Each month my wife and I transport Michael to Lutheran hospital for his visit with his neurologist to have internal pump refilled which helps him reduce any muscle spasms. In addition. once every three months we take him alos to Lutheran for his botox injections. the shots are in his hands and arms and help a bit to increase his flexibility in hands and arms. Unfortunately for Michael they are very painful. So sad for him to have to go through this in addition to what he goes through on a daily basis.

I continue to work with Michael in attempt to get him to say something. When I speak directly to him he appears to try to say something in return. He lifts his head in my direction and moves his mouth rapidly up and down which appears like he is speaking. We Believe one day he will.

We wish we had more to report, however we remain committed to our belief that he will continue to recover and someday he will discover a way to communicate. We will never give up as we know our Michael and know that neither will he.

We appreciate you checking in and wish you and your family a very Easter and Passover season.

Regards Anthony & Debbie Bartolo


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