“Gift of Hope” Flag Raising Ceremony – April 2nd 2014

May 30, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Family, friends, caregivers and others gathered on a cool windy day on April 2nd outside BroMenn Hospital. Jimmy Jr. helped raise the Gift of Hope flag in honor of Michael’s decision to be a donor.

Because of Michael’s decision 200+ lives were saved or vastly improved through his passing later that evening. At 9:05 on April 2nd, Michael left us, but also left behind a legacy that we can only hope to come close to matching…..

Click here to see the slide show: Michael’s Gift of Hope to others

A shining moment for Michael in Enid…….

May 30, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

CLICK TO VIEW: A SHINING MOMENT for #19……….

Two years ago about this time Michael and his Hawks team were finishing 3rd in the NJCAA National Championships in Enid, OK. It was a great week for the Hawks; as well as for Michael. Enjoy watching and applauding as you know Michael would be very happy you did!

Today (5/30/14) it just happens that the same Madison team is playing today to get a chance to face Mesa Junior College for the title tomorrow. MCStrong.org wishes the three remaining teams good luck.

The Michael Collins Memorial Coaches Champion Trophy will be handed out to the title teams staff for the first time after the game.

Michael honored with naming of Coaches Champion Trophy @ NJCAA Tournament

May 27, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

One of Michael’s greatest moments was in Enid, Oklahoma – site of the NJCAA Baseball National Championship.

In his memory; the Coaches Champion Trophy will forever be named after him. Here is a picture of the 2014 trophy which will be presented to the coaching staff of the championship team at the end of the competition.

A beautiful tribute!

Michael was pictured in the Enid Newspaper after his passing on Wednesday, April 2nd and the information included with the photo.

Michael Collins of Heartland (Ill.) Community College is shown pulling into third during the 2011 Division II NJCAA World Series at David Allen Memorial Ballpark. Collins died Wednesday due to injuries suffered when the car he was riding in was struck by a drunk driver early Saturday in Illinois. He was remembered by Heartland coach Nate Metzger as a “kid that would put a smile on anybody’s face.”

(Staff File Photo by BILLY HEFTON)

A Promise to Michael……….

May 20, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

My dear nephew Michael……….

I still have the voice mail from your mom I received at 4:52 AM that Saturday morning of March 29th. I did not answer the initial call since I was with the pups in the field for their daily run. The call went to voice mail. Notification of new voice mail popped up immediately…….

I listened….

“Jeff; this is Kelly — Michael has been in a terrible car accident and is in critical condition.” She mentioned critical condition again and said you were going in for brain surgery. I rushed home and let your Aunt Jane know; then raced to the hospital. I got there just minutes before Dr. Stroink came out to explain to the family your injuries and condition. Heart breaking does not begin to describe it.

As the long surgery went on, we found out more about the accident. Unlike you and your friends, a person chose to get behind the wheel after drinking –ran a red light at a high rate of speed – and in doing so changed many lives forever.

You fought so hard to stay with us. Watching that; watching your mom, dad and brother go through gut-wrenching discussions with the doctors each day was agonizing. Thousands of close friends of yours, as well as close friends of the family fought with you and prayed each day we would see a miracle – and we would get our Michael back.

But it was not meant to be. You left us on Wednesday, April 2nd to go to heaven. Before you left, you gave a final Gift of Hope to so many more. The days you fought gave us time to see you and to tell you how much we loved you.

And for me, to make a promise to you I will never break.

You see, I have never driven through a stop light at a high rate a speed and hit a car load of kids. Destroying and changing lives forever. But, I have driven plenty of times after a day or night of drinking.

I rubbed your arm and looked at the MCStrong t-shirt next to you….. I promised to never have one drink and drive again –or get into a vehicle with someone else who has had even one drink. I had seen what that decision can do to families and loved ones. I am sorry it took this tragedy to fully understand and realize first-hand the consequences of wrong decisions people make way too often.

I know some in my immediate family made the same or a very similar promise. My hope is many others; family, friends and or strangers alike have done or will do so as well. And keep that promise even as time disguises the pain of losing you.

In death; you helped so many as an organ donor. And you forever have made me a better man…………

Love you Michael —

Uncle Jeff

MCStrong Forever

MCStrong team leading way for MADD Walk in Homer Glen June 8th

May 17, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Follow the team’s fundraising goal or donate by clicking this link!

MCStrong as of 6/8 had raised more money than the next 4 teams combined. What started off as a $1000.00 goal has ballooned into over 4400.00 in honor of Michael for MADD. Wow!

They lead the field that currently has raised over $32,000.00 for the organization. Pictures will be posted from the event later this evening we hope.

Thank you again for all the wonderful support monetary and otherwise.

Here are the top 5 teams for the Homer Glen event. Michael would have it no other way.