*BUGS AMONGST THE WAVES* Our first Recipient!!!!!!!!!!

It’s about time we let you all know who the first person is that Bugs Amongst the Waves has chosen to assist!

Mike is a 33 year old US Army Vet. He lives with his girlfriend in Ohio. Due to back injuries sustained while serving our country, Mike is unable to work at this time. He has had 2 surgeries in three years to place 10 pins in his spine, and will likely need at least one more surgery. He has nerve damage and severe arthritis, and is living in constant pain. Mike’s girlfriend, due to cut backs, is set to lose her job at the beginning of June.

Mike currently survives on a small monthly VA benefit that, after paying his bills, leaves him with about $40. He is currently working with a case worker to try to get his benefits raised, but the process is a very long one. We want to help Mike in any way that we can. Grocery costs and utility bills are the most difficult for him right now, and that is what we are starting with. We also have a few other ideas in mind and are in contact with businesses local to Mike to see what they may be able to contribute as well as researching services that are available to him through his community.

If you have anything to spare, a small cash donation, an item for the garage sale, please know that it will be greatly appreciated! Cash donations can be made via paypal to: <!-- e --><a href="mailto:BugsAmongstTheWaves@gmail.com">BugsAmongstTheWaves@gmail.com</a><!-- e -->. Garage sale item details can be sent to Kelly via PM to GivenToLukinKP. Please see the garage sale thread for details on how it works: http://community.pearljam.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=156055.

Mike sent us the following message, and we want to share it with you…

Even though you’re still working to figure out what to do for me, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys really have helped me and my lady. This is a great group and I hope to help you guys. You're helping me and I do fully intend to help back even if I can only spare 5 bucks for a couple of months I will.
Please keep this going I'm sure I'm not the only one on here with problems right now. I also want to say that you guys are so awesome for doing this. I mean this just came out of nowhere that is completely awesome that a bunch of members got together and said let's help our fellow members out.
I have been a member of other boards and I have NEVER seen anything like this. You guys are truly one of a kind. This is what PJ is about helping your fellow brother and sister. Please don't give up if you hit a snag somewhere and please if you need anything let me know i will try and help you as I can. I can't thank you all enough.

Thank you
Mike

We believe it is of the GREATEST IMPORTANCE to support those in our communities who are in need, and we are sure you would agree with us. You never know when struggle will infiltrate itself into your life. Mike IS one of us--a PJ fanatic and a 10 clubber. We know times are tough, and not everyone can donate to every cause because many of us are struggling in our own right. We hope you know how much your support, monetary and otherwise, means so much to us and to the people who will benefit.

If you want to read more about the Bugs Amongst the Waves group and our goals- please see our main thread here: http://community.pearljam.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=156048

There will be more added to this as time goes on- please check back often!

Hearts and thoughts,
The Bugs Crew
Don, Lorna, Kelly, Jo, Adam & Matt