Michael’s Journey

Michael’s journey began when he was just 18 months old—a time when most toddlers are taking their first steps into the world, exploring with boundless curiosity. For Michael, however, those early years were filled with countless doctors’ visits, hospital stays, and an overwhelming number of tests. Diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a rare and severe form of epilepsy, along with developmental delays and autism, his path was anything but typical.

LGS brought with it a relentless storm of seizures—atonic drop seizures that would cause Michael to collapse without warning and focal seizures that disrupted his daily quality of life. The unpredictability of his condition meant constant monitoring, countless medical interventions, and an ongoing search for answers. At just four years old, Michael faced a major decision: brain surgery. A corpus callosotomy, a procedure that would separate the two halves of his brain, offered hope for reducing the most dangerous seizures. Though the journey was grueling, Michael emerged from it the same way he approached every challenge—with an infectious smile, unwavering love, and a spirit uniquely his own.

Despite his medical battles, one thing remained constant—Michael’s love for life. He found joy in cheering on his older brothers at their games, watching from the sidelines as they ran up and down the field, fully immersed in the sports they loved. His brothers, in turn, understood that while they could step onto the field without hesitation, many experiences weren’t as easily accessible for Michael.

As a family, we felt this gap deeply. The world wasn’t built with kids like Michael in mind. We knew the pain of exclusion, the heartbreak of watching a child sit on the sidelines —not because they didn’t want to play, but because there were no opportunities that fit their needs.

This understanding is what led us to create The Michael Mackie Project. We believe that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to experience the joy of play, competition, and camaraderie.

Our organization is built on the idea that inclusion isn’t just a concept—it’s a commitment. Whether it’s sports, recreational activities, the arts, nature or community events, we strive to create spaces where children of all abilities can participate, feel welcomed, and most importantly, have fun. Even if it’s just for a short time, those moments matter.

Michael’s journey has shown us that every child deserves the chance to be included. Through MVP: Michael’s Victory Players, our organziation’s flagship initiative, we’re bringing adaptive, inclusive sports to children who have long been left on the sidelines. Because every child deserves a victory—no matter how big or small.

Michael’s story is one of perseverance, joy, and love. Through The Michael Mackie Project, his journey will inspire a future where all children—regardless of their abilities—get to experience the thrill of being part of their community.