Michael's Story
Michael Bliss is a son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend to many who is 21 years old. The extent of Michael's injuries are very serious. Michael is a college student at the University of Buffalo. He suffered a broken neck and is paralyzed from the waist down. His road to recovery is going to be very long and his condition is promising.
Michael is one of the nicest young men you will ever meet, he would never hurt anyone and has always been very kind to others. This oung man has never been in trouble with anyone or anything, he didn't deserve this.
All monies raised will go into the Michael Bliss Trust Fund and will be used SOLELY for expenses for Michael's recovery.
BLISS & GIONTA
Michael attends the Rochester radio and press dinner. Here is Michael with Brian Gionta of the New Jersey Devils. Special Thanks to Adam Rodger for hooking Michael up with the best seats in the house. We love you Mikey get better soon.
Michael (patient)
Friday 30 May 2008 11:46:35
I just want to thank everyone again for everything!! I love you all from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to me. I'd like to especially thank my parents and let them know that I love them more than words could ever express. They put every ounce of their energy into my care and I am being shaped physically and mentally by them along this journey. They are truly my role models. Also, Thanks to Uncle Scott and PaPa(Hutch) for helping with trips to Batavia. Love you both very much!! Love to everyone else as well. I want to reasure you all that with this infinite support and faith in God, that I will bounce back from this rough patch. Continue to BELIEVE, and know that I will walk back into the gym at Holy Cross to not only celebrate God's healing powers and my recovery but also the love and support of family and all of you who have helped guide me through this obstacle.
Some of the most encouraging lessons I've learned since 3/22/08.... "Always have faith in God and his abilities". "Love life and ALL those who will allow". "Family is everything" and lastly (2 hours later,lol), "Don't sweat the small things.... forgiveness is a must when all is said and done". I love you all so much!!
CHIPS FOR BLISS
On August 17, the entire Total Sports Experience will be used for the "Chips for Bliss" fundraising event. The family friendly activities run from 2pm - 6pm and include: Kid's Fun Center, Celebrity Autograph & Picture Area, Food Court, Casino and much more.
For ticket and sponsorship Information call: Al Perrotta 943-7227 or Barb DeMarco 284-2205
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Michael has the same type of injury as Jamie Gellentine. His video below illustrates some of the challenges Michael now faces.
The BIG Fundraiser
We are looking for volunteers to help with our Chips for Bliss event in August. Our planning meetings are Monday nights at Dirosatos @ 7:30pm. This is going to be a BIG fundraiser and we could use your help.
For Volunteer, Ticket, and Sponsorship Information call:
Al Perrotta 943-7227 or Barb DeMarco 284-2205
SPECIAL THANKS: Patti Lindgard
Great job with the "Rockin with Mike" event.
BELIEVE
The BELIEVE braceltes are in. Get yours today @ Dirosato's on Elmgrove and Angelo's on Dewey and Britton. Don't forget support your local pizzeria.
Latest News (Check the Announcement page for updates)
06/13/2008
I am sure many of you have noticed the abundance of advertising on the website. I just wanted to inform everyone that all revenue proceeds will go directly to Michael. This a great thing and as long as advitisers are willing to pay we will take it. Oh ya the more you click the more he makes so tell all your family and friends to revisit the website.
05/27/2008
The Bliss Family and "CHIPS FOR BLISS" organizers are proud to announce that the event will be put on by TheDealers.net Please take a minute to view their website and the service they provide. We look forward to your continued support.
05/20/2008
Welcome home Mike. We all hope your road to recovery is going well. Keep up your good spirits. Everyone please remember visitors are welcome @ Michaels house. Please call to confirm he is there. Thank you again for everyones continued support
New pictures of Michael standing for the first time "BELIEVE"
05/09/2008
Please check the "CHIPS FOR BLISS" page frequently for updates on the event @ TSE. We need sponsorship and prizes from local and area businesses. If any one knows or wants to be apart of this event please contact us ASAP. We are expecting over 1000 people to attend this event to raise money for Michael and his future needs. It is Michaels goal to be able to walk again. We hope with his hard work and everyone's support he can only focus on rehabilition and someday make that dream come true.
05/08/2008
The blogs have been experiencing some difficulty please do not attempt to use the larger blog it will not work and i am working on a resolution.
Good news! The Bracelets are enroute they should be here in a day or so. There will be a very limited supply so if you know someone who knows someone you may be able to get one. Just kidding! there will be plenty for all men women and children.
05/06/2008
Sorry for the inconvenience the blog is back up not sure what happened.
05/05/2008
All picture pages have been consolidated to the photo gallery they where taking up a lot of room on the web page thanks for understanding.
Check out the newest websites added to the link section i want to say thank you to Bob barone and Kate Miano.
New pictures from the benefit dinner are in the gallery.
05/04/2008
If any one has pictures from the event saturday please feel free to email them to me jamietrovato@allstate.com i would like to add them to the website ASAP
WOW! what a great event put on @ the Holy Cross Gym. The bliss family would like to send a very warm Thank you to all responsible for the event.
05/02/2002
Mike bliss wristbands with the embossed BELIEVE logo have been ordered. More details to folow we should recieve them in about 9 days thank you for everyones continued support.
MIchael speaks to the news for the first time click here to read and hear his interview
http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S430918.shtml?cat=566
05/01/2008
I am back everyone. Las Vegas was great. I will be updating the website today so check back to see the updates and new pictures.
04/24/2008
New pictures are up now
Update on the fund raising.
We had a meeting last night @ DiRosato's everything went well Thank you to all who attended. We need more people to participate the more people who get involved with organizing this event the more succesful it will be. We are working out the details on an mega event to be held at the Total Sport Experience in Gates sometime in late august 17th Sunday the date has not been confirmed. The goal Of the event is to raise a large amount of money for Michael and his future needs.
We have decided on having a family oriented casino night with prizes, gifts, raffles, programs, individual and corporate sponserships. There will be many avenues of local media promotion (news and radio) to draw people to the event. I would like to encourage anyone whos has any interest or business contacts or wants to contribute in anyway to contact me either by email or phone Jamietrovato@allstate.com
04/23/2008
I heard the great news michael was able to move his leg not just the ankle but his upper leg. it was a slight movement but man what an accomplishment we are praying for you Mikey. Vinn thanks for the website counter can you figure out how to put music on this for me?
04/22/2008
I just wanted to let everyone know there is an update to the link section. I have add Frank Trigg's website he was kind enough to make a donation to Michael's fund. For many of you who dont know Franks story he is involved with the fast growing sport of mixed martial arts or (ultimate fighting) he is rochester native and likes to give back to the community check out his website to find out more about him http://www.triggonomics.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y
04/20/2008
Wow what a showing for Michael there where like 20 people at the hospital today I was only there for an hour there were kids running around everywhere what a great show of support. We will be there for you Mikey. Hey everyone check out the new pictures from today and also very important there will be a fund raising meeting held this wednesday april 23 @ Dirosatos 7:30 pm the more people that get involved the more money we can raise for Michael. The key to succesfull fundraising is promoting the event we will have for Michael and it all starts wednesday night so be there for Michael no excuses.
04/19/2008
There will be a bennefit dinner for Michael held @ the Holy Cross Church gym 4492 Lake Ave. on May 3, 5-8 pm All proceeds will go to the Michael Bliss fund If you have questions you can email or call Nikki Tachin 738-0868 for more details mst@rochester.rr.com
04/17/2008
Today was a great day. Michael had a visit from 2 of his trauma ICU nurses from ECMC, Gloria and Amy. We were all so happy to see them. We love the nurses from ECMC. They all hold a special place in our hearts. Gloria is our angel. We truly believe she is the reason Michael is no longer on the ventilator. She was Michael\'s nurse his first day in ICU and his last day in ICU. Michael has told everyone that Gloria is top notch. The first thing Michael wants to do when he leaves Strong Rehab is go back and personally thank each and every nurse in Trauma ICU at ECMC. We love them.
04/16/2008
Thank you so much to Michael's Nanny and kelsey for putting together Michael's biography Great job! very well done! Keep the blog entries coming it is great to see all the people that care so much about Michael.
04/14/2008
Great news! I heard Michael was able to shower and there was actually a little movement in his legs that sounds very promising. I wanted to thank everyone for your donations there have been some very generous givers. The bliss family wants to especially thank you. Please continue with your blog entries Michael and his family are reading these everyday. It really is a great way to just to reach out and let mike know you are pulling for him.
04/11/2008
I was reading the Blog entries and i noticed something took place with holy water sounds like good news. I just want to thank everyone for your donations it has been going extremely well and we look forward to your continued support.
04/10/2008
Michael had a very special visitor. Derek Whitmore form the Rochester Amerks came to see Michael. This was very special to him. Derek and Michael spent a few hours together while Michael had another great rehab session. I want to say thank you to Derek. What you did really lifted him and helped him immensly. The Bliss family also wants to thank you very much.
Michael has been growing a nice beard. Dont worry ladies he still looks good. Michael also expressed his great appreciation for a piece of pizza he really wants one bad, hopefully in the next few days that will happen. I know Michael also wanted to say thank you to all the nurses that have hepled him especially the ones from Erie County Medical Center he really misses you and he was talking about you today.
If you visit this site enter your blog it really means a lot to michael. I know he has read them all. Come back daily to find updates and see how Michael is getting better.