[By ANGELA McCOOL] NEWTON, Kan. — On a typical day, Mike Ramirez would begin with a 1-mile run from his home to Genesis Health Club where he would work out for an hour and then run the mile back home. Everyone always knew when Mike was running through their neighborhood in Hutchinson! He would sing whatever song was playing on his ipod while running.
However, in January 2014, Mike awoke and planned to do his regular daily routine, but the weather was chilly and very windy. Mike thankfully chose to change his routine and drove to Genesis to run on the treadmill instead. After speaking with gym friends and telling them good morning, Mike hopped on the treadmill for his morning run before his normal daily workout. While running, Mike began to feel numbness in his left arm and leg. This man, that anyone you speak to at Genesis would tell you they “idol” was having a massive stroke.
A few treadmills down from him happened to be a nurse who noticed the signs and dispatched 911. That very scary moment was the first day of a new way of life for Mike Ramirez, his wife, Becky, and their two children.
After Mike was life watched to Wichita, where he remained in the neuro-intensive care unit for eight days, he was then transferred to a rehab facility where he spent the next five weeks in intensive therapies. Mike made amazing progress. He was and continues to be extremely determined to recover.
Mike has since been able to return home and is smiling through every moment of this new journey he has been given. Mike was able to return to his place of employment at the end of June, but due to intensive physical and occupational therapies, he can only work limited hours. No one would have ever imagined such a thing would happen to a man that is not only very young, but also extremely healthy.
In order to help Mike and his family with the enormous amount of medical expense, there will be a “Mike Ramirez Benefit Co-Ed Softball Tournament” at Newton Athletic Park on July 25, 26, 27th. First and Second place teams will get shirts, trophies and bragging rights! Juanita’s Mexican food and beverage will be provided, along with raffle prizes and a silent auction that has items including a 4-person round of golf at Prairie Dunes Country Club, a child’s bike and a TV! Shirts will be available during the tournament for $12 each. Grab your friends and come out to have fun and help a wonderful man! Mike and his family appreciate all of you who can come out and help!
Contacts for tournament team sign-up: Angela McCool (620)474.5603, Richard Martinez (316)804.0423, or Marty Ramirez (620)200.1281. Entry Fee for tournament: $100 Entry – Deadline: Tuesday, July 22nd.
