Friends For Michael, Inc. is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) volunteer based organization, located in Henry County, KY that raises funds for spinal cord injury research, grants for SCI survivors, educational awareness & prevention, and college scholarships for locally active high school students. The group was founded in 1997 due to the car accident of 18 yr. old Michael Brent, well known in the community for his academic and athletic talents. In January 2001, FFM set up an endowment with the Kentucky Spinal Cord Research Center at the University of Louisville, donating over $68,0000 to date. In 2002 FFM joined with the Kentucky Wheelchair Athletic Association and Derby City NSCIA to form the very first Spinal Cord Injury Association of Kentucky (SCIAK). A dream come true for President and founder, Cindy Norton, who also served as president of SCIAK in 2004-2005 and was nominated for the National Spinal Cord Injury Association Hall of Fame in 2006. FFM sponsors several annual events to promote prevention & awareness and a dinner to recognize their sponsors and volunteers that has brought in several celebrities such as Hall of Fame Coach Denny Crum, Miss America Heather French Henry, 2003 Ms. Wheelchair KY Missy Jenkins and 2005 Ms. Wheelchair KY Michelle Bazeley, former UofL Football Coach John L. Smith, former IRL Driver, now team owner, Sam Schmidt, Olympian Medalist Dr. Doug Sharp, and nationally renowned researcher Dr. Scott Whittemore, who announced the Friends For Michael, Inc. Postdoctoral Fellowship, a research position at KSCIRC named in honor of Friends For Michael at the 2004 dinner. An annual 5K Run/Walk & Wheel and Celebrity Golf Scramble have been blessed with the attendance of University of Louisville and NBA basketball star Darrell Griffith and Denny Crum as well as former Univ. of KY coach Tubby Smith and players Kenny Walker, Ed Davender, Jeff Shepherd and Cameron Mills just to mention a few. In May 2004, Michael received UK’s Adelstein Award, given to students with disabilities who are inspirations to others & graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism. Michael returned in the fall and became staff writer for the Cat’s Pause while he pursued his Masters degree. Michael was just 2 1⁄2 wks away from graduation when he passed away. His degree was given to his mother post mortally during graduation ceremonies in May 2007.

Friends For Michael is excited to help present a new opportunity for spinal cord injury survivors and their families. Barren Heights Retreat is a new non-profit facility that is totally handicap accessible. It offers free weekend “vacations” for families with developmentally and physically challenged children & adults. Check it out at:www.barrenheights.com or call Joe/Toni Rose (502) 327-9495.

In honor of Michael, Friends For Michael will build the first all accessible handicap playground in the new community park being built in Henry County, KY. Thisproject will take place in early spring of 2008.

Michael is no longer in our physical presence but his will and determination to live a quality life will continue to inspire many for years to come. His story and memory will not die, but will continue to help us strive towards helping others. It is what Michael would have wanted. Please come be a part of something wonderfulhappening because of such a terrific young man!