Gerson’s First Six Months

Over the past six months, many of you have helped us support Gerson in his recovery. His path has not been easy. He entered rehabilitation underweight, exhausted, and struggling with addiction. Today, he is gaining weight, rebuilding strength, studying, playing soccer again, and smiling with confidence.

I want to share a clear and transparent update on his progress, our involvement, and the financial support that has made this possible.

Visits and Personal Support

Rehabilitation is not something you simply pay for and step away from. What makes the difference is the relationship that exists before, during, and after treatment. A boy needs to know that when he walks out of the center, there is someone waiting for him.

Over the past six months, we have visited Gerson six times, staying a total of 23 days with him in the rehabilitation center.

Our visits:

• April 14 to April 16

• April 17 to April 19

• April 26 to May 2

• June 15 to June 20

• July 7 to July 10

• August 31 to September 1

  
  

The importance of this cadence was evident through my experience with Samuel. Because he was nearing his eighteenth birthday, everything had to be rushed. We did not have the same time to develop trust before he entered rehab. He stayed for two weeks and then left. That was difficult for everyone, and I am still working to find him help.

With Gerson, that foundation already existed when he entered treatment. That has made a difference in his stability and his confidence that someone will return.

Early on, I bought us matching simple silver chains with small crosses. He likes that we both have the same one. I bought him a small stuffed Stitch from the movie Lilo and Stitch. He sleeps with it and named it Michael. I bought him a water bottle etched with his name and a character from Paw Patrol, a show we used to watch together.

These are ordinary things any boy would want. What matters is that they mean he is not forgotten.

Financial Transparency

From the beginning, Project Gerson has committed to transparency and responsible accounting.

Total support recorded: $5,745

This includes:

1. Cash donations

2. In-kind donations (non-cash support such as gas, clothing, and discounted services)

3. My personal contributions made directly to support Gerson’s rehabilitation and care

   
   

Here is the breakdown:

Category	Amount (USD)
Cash donations for Gerson	$659
Cash donations designated for another boy	$500
In-kind donations (transportation, clothing, print materials, etc.)	$1,562
Personal contributions by Michael (actual cash paid)	$3,024
Total support recorded	$5,745

At this time, I personally cover all administrative expenses for Project Gerson. This includes things like the website, nonprofit legal filings, accounting tools, communication platforms, and design tools. These costs are not included in the donation totals above. As the project grows, we will eventually move toward a traditional nonprofit structure where these expenses are covered transparently through the organization. For now, I take care of them privately so that every donated dollar goes directly toward supporting the boys.

Oktoberfest Benefit Dinner

Last weekend, we hosted the Oktoberfest benefit dinner to support Project Gerson. It was a meaningful evening, and I am grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped create a fun and supportive atmosphere.

We are currently reconciling the event costs and vendor payments to ensure everything is accounted for correctly. Once all receipts and checks have cleared and final totals are confirmed, we will share a clear report showing:

• Total funds received

• Total event expenses

• Net amount raised for Project Gerson

Rehabilitation Costs

Total tuition paid: 40,000 Lempiras ($1,600 USD) paid in 4 installments (8,000, 10,000, 10,000, and 12,000)

In addition to tuition, 10,000 lempiras ($410 USD) was provided to support ongoing basic living needs while Gerson has been in rehabilitation including:

• Pulpería support (daily food, snacks, small essentials)

• Clothing and hygiene items

Receipts are kept for all payments. Donors may ask to review them at any time.

Gerson arrived at the rehabilitation center very underweight. The clothes that fit him were donated from a seven-year-old. As he has gained weight and strength, he has outgrown his clothes many times over. Last week, the center let me know that he needs the next size up again. We are partnering with local shops and families to gather clothing and shoes that fit him comfortably.

Next Step: Transition

We are working with Gerson’s family to plan a transition in a way that is safe, supportive, and steady. The goal is not just leaving rehabilitation. The goal is helping Gerson continue building structure, routine, and confidence in daily life.

As Gerson transitions, he will continue to need support. Things like school uniforms, shoes, notebooks, transportation, and basic daily needs will become important again. Project Gerson will assist him with these costs as he adjusts back into daily life.

Michael

michael@projectgerson.org