My Story
Hello, my name is Michael-Ryan Pattison. In May of 2005, I became a quadriplegic due to a diving
accident in Lake Chelan. I was on a ventilator for five of seven months in the hospital, where
I had multiple surgeries due to my accident. It is only by the grace of God I am here with you today.
In 2003, I graduated from Woodinville High School and at the time of my accident I had just completed
my sophomore year at Washington State University. Before my accident, I was involved in many sports
such as basketball, track and most notably quarterback for my high school football team. Going from
being a very physically fit, athletic, independent college student in one moment, to being told I
will never be able to breathe unassisted, walk or move my arms again in the matter of seconds is a
daunting nightmare, not only for the individual but for all those who care and love for you.
Shortly after becoming injured, fundraisers of all types started to help supplement the extensive
medical and rehabilitation costs of my injury. The most notable being a golf tournament and auction
which has helped tremendously for the past two years. I’ve been given the opportunity to work with
Christopher Reeves’ doctor, Dr. John McDonald, to develop a restorative rehabilitation program. Over
the last year, I have gained movement and muscle in my shoulders, biceps and triceps, and I’m working
toward driving my wheelchair with a joystick instead of by mouth. Just another one of the many things
doctors said I would never do.
The fundraiser has now taken on a new role. The annual auction and dinner, called A Cure is Coming,
is the driving force behind The Michael-Ryan Pattison Foundation.
A foundation built on a Warrior's spirit. A foundation that will raise money in order to help other
individuals with spinal cord injuries and paralysis to obtain the rehab which is not covered by
insurance, yet vitally important in order to regain movement and build and maintain the muscle mass
needed to walk again.
Many people spend their whole lives searching for their own purpose. My purpose in life is now driven
by creating a better life for others. I must believe that God has placed me in this situation because
he saw it as the best possible vehicle for me to fulfill a task that an incredible man named Christopher
Reeves once started. Last year, I donated $70,000 from my foundation, of which $20,000 went to a
quadriplegic in the Northwest for specialized rehabilitation equipment. The other $50,000 was donated to
NextStepsNW, an exercise recovery center to fund others who would not have the opportunity to receive
the extensive restorative therapies.
I thank all of you who have already contributed to this much-needed cause and those who continue to donate
their time and money. Many others, including myself, would not be where we are today if it wasn't for
each one of your contributions. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. If nothing else, I
hope part of my story will remind you to be thankful for every day because things can change in an
instant. Whether these changes are good or bad, we must find the best way possible to deal with those
changes in life.
Best regards,
Michael-Ryan Pattison
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