IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I AM WRITING THIS POST, MY HUSBAND MICHAEL LEFT US ON JULY 25 HE IS NOW WITH HIS MAKER AND WE HAVE AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER US. WITH MICHAEL HE WOULD WANT US TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE. YES WE DO FEEL THE LOSS GREATLY BUT BOOT AS WE CALLED EACH OTHER WAS SO HAPPY THAT HE WAS ABLE TO SEE SOME MANY FIRST HIS SON'S WEDDING THE BIRTH OF HIS TWO GRANDCHILDREN MICHAEL AND NICHOLAS. HE WAS ALSO HAPPY THAT HE WAS ABLE TO TOUCH AND HELP MANY PEOPLE, THANK YOU FOR MAKING HIM SO SPECIAL IN YOUR LIFE AS YOU WERE ALL SPECIAL IN HIS.
WHO WAS
WHO WAS
MICHAEL HEBRANKO JR
Born in
Brooklyn he became a very successful business man where he employed many local
residents, he was an enrolled agent with the IRS, H&R
Block tax preparer and instructor, Weight loss motivator, Eucharistic Minister
and Religious Education Instructor at Our Lady of Miracles.
Michael was
an advocate for the Obese and founded OPIN a not for profit organization
dedicated to teaching and helping people that suffered from this disease and
also educating the public on the disease.
His whole life he suffered from this disease and he still went out every
day into the word helping others. There
is a fund being set up in Michael’s name donations can be made to the Obesity Research Center for care and
research specifically for people like Michael. Donors may go to:
https://supportstlukesroosevelt.org/support-us
The online donation form includes an area where the donor can indicate who the gift is in memory of. In the "Comments" box, donors should state that their gift is for the Obesity Research Center.
https://supportstlukesroosevelt.org/support-us
The online donation form includes an area where the donor can indicate who the gift is in memory of. In the "Comments" box, donors should state that their gift is for the Obesity Research Center.
To make a gift by mail,
donors can make out a check to St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center. They should include a note stating that it is
for the Obesity Research Center, in memory of Michael J Hebranko Jr.
Checks should be mailed to:
St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center
Development Department
555 West 57th Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10019
St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center
Development Department
555 West 57th Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10019
A funeral mass was held on July 30 at Holy Child Church in
Staten Island and a burial followed at Resurrection Cemetery.
love you all stay strong and keep fighting
YOU ARE ALL WORTH IT
MADELAINE
24 comments:
I didnt think i could shed anymore tears but after reading this it is possible...there is a place in me missing since he has been gone... but i know he is looking down on each and everyone of us and he is helping to guide us...I think of all the things that brought joy to Michael and one was his wife Madelaine .. the love he had for her was amazing.. she was his boot as he called her....watching them showed me what true love was... then there was his son whom he would do anything for...he was able to watch his son grow and become the man he is today...he watched his son become a father..Michael cherished his grandchildren.. he was GAGA...i can honestly say they kept him going... Michael had alot of passions in his life but one was helping people fight this disease and that is how i met Michael through OPIN and that was over 20 years ago and we remained very close through all those years...i can honestly say he was one of my best friends...and i am going to miss you immensely... R.I.P Michael because now you are truly Somewhere over the Rainbow...love you now and always... Carol
wow I cannot believe that he is gone. Michael was a fighter he worked so hard to be free of pain I hope you are pain free and watching us with your smile saying yes they can God Bless you
Can't believe it's been a month already.. I still come to this blog page for words of wisdom, something I need right now. Madelaine, thank you- for the closure I needed. It really made me so happy to know that he was able to give him some happiness: You are in my thoughts & prayers everyday, as well as your family. I wish there was something I could do for you all.
Michael... I never had the privilege to meet you, but I feel as if I already know you. Every time something good happens, or I smile, I think of you. I know you are watching over all of us. You are always in my heart & because of you, I'm starting college in one week, and not joining you. You saved my life & I know your with me. You are my hero & my angel now.
Rest in Peace, Michael. We all love you & miss you!
-Jacqueline
Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Hebranko in person. As a heavy person myself, we shared the pains associated with obesity. He provided inspiration to me. We did have the opportunity to connect via email briefly and I am all the more richer a person for that experience. I have no doubt in my mind that he is finally pain free and with Our Lord. May God Bless his soul and his family. Until we meet one day in Heaven Michael, take care.
Jerry
Quite sad. Michael should have asked for Richard Simmons help once again. Knowing the type of person I chard is, I'm sure he would have helped. Sad all around. It's a shame his family kept bringing him the food. I know his wife is heavy set as well, but she should have known better. So should have Michael. RIP.
I would like to thank you for your tributes for the most part to Michael. Yes to you who said ask Richard and do not bring him food I only wish it was that easy. You see instead of being here without him I would have my husband friend and soul
mate with me. Michael suffered from this disease and he fought a good fight the last year medically he was in very critical condition getting blood transfusions monthly. The truth of the matter is even in the condition he was in three times a week he worked with his physical therapist to get up and sit. Believe it or not he was at the Point of getting ready to stand. You see sometimes no matter what the disease is there is usually more than meets the eye. I too wish Michael's eating was better but he gave it his all and I stood by him the best I could.
Again thank you for sharing and please never give up because as long as you are working toward your goal you will see changes sometimes very small and sometimes hitting a plateau. just do not quit as you will not fail if you keep on trying.
Love you all and always remember you are worth it good luck.
Madeleine, I am so very sorry to read this. Michaeld touched me even though I never met him except via TV. My love.to you all.
Madelaine- Do you need anything? I just saw that Mike had passed. I'm so sorry for your loss...but his contribution to the lives of others will always be felt. Bless you and your family.
ML in PA
Thank you
Madelaine
I sat here thinking about you today.. missing you alot ... but i know your looking down on us ....but just wanted to let you know im doing ok ... im getting stronger every day ... me and Madelaine have been keeping in touch so i know you would be happy about that....its not the same without you around ... but i know your ok now ... and i know one day i will see you again ... miss you very much love Carol
It's been 2 months.. Your words of wisdom & love carry me through day by day still. You watch over me & keep me safe, especially in the car accident last Sunday. I know you are with me.. You are still my hero & my angel, and I accomplish what I do in your memory. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Madelaine, you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday too and I wish you the best. I hope you & your family are getting better in this hard time.
All of my love,
Jacqueline
ABOUT 3YRS AGO I WROTE A LETTER AND SENT IT TO A MICHAEL HEBRANKO BUT IT NEVER GOT ANSWERED. I HAD MET MICHAEL COMING OUT OF A SHOPRITE IN STATEN ISLAND ON HYLAN BLVD, LET ME TELL YOU THAT IT MADE MY DAY. MOVIE STARS AND TV STARS DIDNT COMPARE TO MEETING MR HEBRANKO. I FOLLOWED HIS UPS AND DOWNS SINCE I WAS I WAS A KID AND UNFORTUNATELY EXPERIENCED THEM WITH HIM. WHEN I LOOKED UP HIS NAME TODAY HOPING THAT MAYBE THERE WAS SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT HIS HEALTH BUT GOT A SHOCK THAT I DIDNT EXPECT. MR MICHAEL HEBRANKO DIED JULY 25, 2013. SO EFFED UP IN THE HEAD RIGHT NOW. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY.
ARIANNA mIKE TOLD ME OF HIS MEETING WITH YOU YOU MADE HIS DAY HE DID NOT THINK ANYONE KEPT UP WITH HIM YOUR MEETING INSPIRED HIM THANK YOU FOR CARING AND SHARING
Madeleine, I send my heartfelt condolences and love to you and your family. I've only just heard of your husband Michael's passing. Like many people in the UK I've followed your story since Michael appeared on a UK TV chat show.
I never forgot him; I posted on his blog once (not wanting to seem like a stalker!) and followed his - your - story on TV and online.
He will never be forgotten. You were and are a wonderful, loving, supportive wife. What some people don't understand is that when a food addict wants to eat, they don't want to hear the word 'no', nor do they want to be reminded of the health issues, nor yet about the loving family and friends they will be 'letting down', etc.
This is a serious and powerful condition, and Michael struggled against it for a long time. He really tried- and you loved and supported him all the way.
Bless you all, and bless Michael xx
Madelaine, I hope you and your family had a nice Christmas and a happy, healthy and BLESSED New Year. You & your family are often on my mind and in my prayers, I know this must be a very difficult time with it being the holidays. I hope you found comfort and happiness this Christmas.
Michael, because of the lessons I learned from you I was able to find happiness in places i never thought I would. I thought about you all day yesterday, and you were very much in my heart and prayers this Christmas. Thank you, for helping me live life again. You will always hold a special place in my heart & you are my hero. Merry Christmas Michael.
All my love,
Jacqueline.
It is really sad to find out about Michael's passing away....today...Madeleine my sincere condolences goes to you and your family..I am really sorry for not keeping in touch with you guys...I am Lourdes Norero and I was one of Michael's home attendants ...having the pleasure for almost three months to share with you Michael, It was an honor for me. You were so kind to me, always sharing your thoughts, your knowledge... I was a witness of your huge love for you wife.Just to see how your eyes sparkled everytime you talked to me about her... I pray for you and your family.... Because you were an angel here in earth.....now you are angel in heaven that earned his wings...God bless you... I big hug for you Madeleine
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I have just learned of michael's passing. I met both Madeleine and Michael about 22 years ago. I feel blessed to have been a small part of their lives. I admired them both and my heart aches to know Michael is gone. My prayers are with the family and I know Michael is watching over them.
Madelaine- how are you these days? I just wanted to reach out because I'm here if you ever need a friend to talk to or share things with- much love to your family.
ML
Thinking about you a lot recently.. Can't believe it's almost 2 years. Had to come back and just read the words that have helped me so much before. My little girl is with you now, please watch over her for me.
Thank you for sharing your story with so many. You are an inspiration to so many.
Oh
I’ve just seen a documentary about your husband, sad to hear he is passed away. My condolences to you and your family and take care, greetings from Agatha Dirks, The Netherlands
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