About Michael Brent

Ten years ago, many lives changed due to the traumatic spinal cord injuries suffered by Michael Brent, then 18 yrs old and on top of the world. In a single moment, the life of this athletically and academically gifted young man, along with that of his family and friends, changed as well. Michael was on his way home from Valhalla Golf Club after working as a caddy. July 21,1997 was an extremely hot summer day, but being the dedicated young man that he was, Michael was trying to improve his game to compete at the college level. (He had received a golf scholarship to Campbellsville University). Caddying at Valhalla gave him the opportunity to play the challenging course as well. Michael apparently had become more overheated than he realized. As he drove home from the golf course he blacked out, flipped his car several times and suffered a severed spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. (C4/C5 injury)

Michael went on to continue his college career at the University of Kentucky earning his Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2004. He also was awarded UK’s Adelstein Award, given to students with disabilities who are an inspiration to others. He returned to school in the fall of 2004 to pursue his Masters degree and work as a reporter for the “Cat’s Pause”, a weekly print and online publication, about the University of Kentucky sports programs. Michael was also an active member of the Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

On April 17, 2007, only two and a half weeks before time to receive his Master’s degree, Michael suddenly became ill, suffered a perforated ulcer and passed away within hours of the onset, leaving behind a legacy of his own. Just as Michael faced life with a vengeance, he also faced death with it as well.

To keep Michael’s spirit alive, Friends For Michael will continue it’s efforts to help find a cure for spinal cord injury/disease, help others live a quality of life, provide spinal cord injury prevention and awareness, keep the importance of research in the fore front of the public and help others succeed in what they want in life.

Now, ten years later, lives have changed again. Michael’s sudden death has left a void in the lives of many. But his strength, determination and his “never say never” attitude taught us all how to live. From the moment of his accident, Michael did not feel sorry for himself. He worried about those around him and how they were surviving it. His smile was one that people saw for miles and will remember forever. His will to live a full life, no matter what the obstacle, is something we all learned from him. Michael set an example like no other. What he accomplished in 27 years is more than most will accomplish in a full lifetime. Below is a brief history of Michael and his inspiration and determination behind Friends For Michael.

Related Links:
• Inspirational Student Honored with Award