It all
began with a 14 year old named Michael Long. Perfectly normal in every sense, Michael loved sports, playing basketball, baseball, and
really concentrating on soccer. Fought with his older brother Jeff, over anything and everything, and losing most of the time
because Jeff was 4 years older! Had a girlfriend named Elizabeth, that was his true first love, and like all 14
year old relationships had their ups and downs, but they never parted very far from each other; no matter what.
Michael's outgoing personality continued to make him new friends while
maintaining existing friendships. Went to movies, played sports, attended church, went on vacations and just "goofed
off" with Austin, Eric, Ryan, Chris and Curtis.
And then one day, December 21st, 1995, Michael, his family, and his friends lives were shattered into a thousand
pieces!
On
that day, Christmas week of 1995, Michael was diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem glioma (tumor). Michael’s
courage during the next 20 months was an inspiration to all that knew him, and to all of those that came in contact with him
during his battle. This charity came into existence because of Michael, and continues because of the knowledge and love that
Michael shared with each of us.
