Golf game to help officer determined to walk again

By Staci Dennis

Correspondent

PRINCESS ANNE

Mike Felts is determined to walk again, and eventually play golf.

The 42-year-old avid outdoorsman uses a wheelchair after doctors discovered a blood clot on his spine that had to be surgically removed. His prognosis is good, but it is up to his body to heal, which in his case is harder than usual.

"I was diagnosed with lupus about two years ago," he said. "That makes me more susceptible to blood clots."

Despite all that, Felts hopes to be at the golf course Monday for a day of fun all to honor him.

Felts and his family are strained by costs of modifying their home for wheelchair access, insurance disputes, medical equipment and numerous medications, said long-time friend, Jeff Menger.

"As you can imagine it is all very overwhelming," Menger said.

Menger is hosting a Perseverance Golf Benefit where funds will go toward helping Felts pay off his medical bills.

"I wanted to come up with something that would be a fun and uplifting event for Mike while also raising money to help ease the financial stress," Menger said. "Mike and I have played in many golf benefits together prior to his illness so my thought was why not have one for him?"

According to the Lupus Foundation, the disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue.

This attack results in a variety of symptoms including swollen joints, fevers, extreme fatigue, skin rashes and abnormal blood clotting.

"I was in the hospital 50 days and couldn't even sit up for the first two weeks," Felts said. "It's been a long battle, but I will walk again."

Recently, Felts walked a short distance with crutches. His goal is to walk without a walker by Oct. 1. Felts is a sergeant with the Virginia Beach police department and is restricted to light duty.

"My intentions are to go back to work, and resume all the normal things I did before," Felts said. "I am a hard charger. I think I will make it."

The benefit has a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. at Heron Ridge Golf Course. Four-man teams can enter for $360, which includes use of a golf cart, range balls, food, beverages and prize giveaways. Hole sponsorship is also available for $100 and signs will be placed on the greens.

"Our goal is to have 36 teams," Menger said. "I want to raise as much money as possible and have a good time while doing it."

This is the second fundraiser Menger has held for Felts. The first was at the Lucky Oyster, where he raised a few thousand dollars to give to his friend.

"As time goes on we will see if more fundraisers need to be done," Menger said. "For now, we can all have fun playing golf."

Staci Dennis, sdennis@cox.net