Month: May 2026

By Tony Geftos

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    REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Michigan (WXYZ) — This is not just a game — it is an opportunity to make connections with some kids who could use some encouragement.

Eighteen boys in a foster care program in Redford spent quality time with community leaders, including firefighters and the chief of police. They played a kickball game organized to build trust and connection between first responders and children who have dealt with significant trauma.

Redford Township Police Chief Jennifer Mansfield said the event gives everyone a chance to see one another differently.

“We all get to see each other in a different light than sometimes we do when we’re working, and I personally love seeing the smiles, you know, hearing the laughter, and I also like watching the adults. You know, the adults are having just as much fun as the kids.” Mansfield said.

Nicholas Lavin, a firefighter and paramedic with Redford Township Fire, said the relationships built at events like this extend beyond the field.

“And we see them in the community, too, you know? We’re driving by and we see them waving down the street.” Lavin said. “When we run into them, it’s usually a medical emergency, and that’s no way to create a relationship. Whereas this, a little friendly competition, is fantastic.”

MCHS Family of Services has been around since 1917. Through those years, its goal has remained the same: caring for children. The nonprofit has a campus off 6 Mile Road near Telegraph Road, where boys ages 5 to 18 can live and learn life skills.

That includes Xavier Bowles, who is graduating from Redford Union High School this month. Bowles said the program has helped him develop important skills.

“My good choices, my boundaries and my coping skills.” Bowles said. “My grades, fantastic.” Bowles said.

“I also volunteer with the Redford Union wrestling team and they’re just like every other high school, middle school kid. They just want to have fun,” said Carly Bacigalupo, president of the Redford Jaycees. She was also at the event to participate and show support.

Raquel Sulaiman, chief development officer at MCHS, said outside community involvement makes a meaningful difference for the youth in their care.

“Oh, it’s so important. Our staff do an incredible job coaching, taking care of our youth, looking after them, but we know when there’s outside adults in the community who look after our youth, mentor them and just have positive relationships, that goes such a long way,” Sulaiman said.

Allie Snage, executive director of the Redford Chamber of Commerce, said the event was a success and hinted at more to come.

“It was great. Sounds like we’re looking to do something again towards the end of the summer, so hopefully we can make this a recurring thing.” Snage said.

Both sides declared victory at the end of the game — but the real winners were the young men on the field.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Janice Allen

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    GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (WXMI) — A Grand Rapids father nearly lost his life to a stroke at an R&B concert in Detroit — and says a nurse sitting nearby saved him by acting fast.

The life-threatening medical emergency came less than two weeks after Eric Taylor and his family returned from a dream European vacation.

“During our time there, I had no, no issues. I felt great,” Taylor said.

Back at home, Taylor and his wife were looking forward to celebrating their anniversary at the concert in Detroit.

“My wife, she really loves Maxwell, and so what a great way to spend the time together,” Taylor said.

Everything seemed normal on the drive across the state and after they took their seats — until Taylor tried to drink water and couldn’t.

“I think at that time, paralysis had set in, so I had no feeling on my left side, and I think that’s why I fumbled when I went to take that drink of water,” Taylor told FOX 17 News. “I just leaned over on my wife’s shoulder and she asked, was I Okay? but at that time, my speech was slurred, and I think that’s when my wife picked up on just the cue of no, something’s wrong.”

The nurse sitting next to them acted without hesitation.

“And thank God. Immediately she’s like, he’s having a stroke. We need to get him out of here,” Taylor said.

Taylor was rushed to a hospital seven minutes away and underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot.

“I just remember looking up at these lights, and then I was, remember closing my eyes, and I could just feel excruciating pain for about, I would say, maybe 10 seconds. And at that point, I just remember the doctor said, It’s okay. It’s okay. We got the blood clot,” Taylor said.

Taylor, a former professional basketball player and dean at Grand Rapids Christian, has no lingering effects from the 2022 stroke.

He credits his healthy lifestyle, his doctors, and the stranger who spoke up immediately.

“Absolutely without a shadow of a doubt. I think that nurse there, I wish I knew her name, and I could really give a great thank you to her, but I truly think she saved my life. Without a doubt,” Taylor said. “I would just say, hey, thank you. Thank you so much for saving my life.”

Taylor is now an advocate for stroke awareness and is sharing his story in recognition of National Stroke Month this May.

According to the CDC, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds.

Doctors say it is critical to spot warning signs quickly because a stroke can kill millions of brain cells per minute.

The American Stroke Association urges people to remember the acronym BE-FAST:

B — Balance loss

E — Eye, or vision changes

F — Face drooping

A — Arm weakness

S — Speech difficulties or slurring

T — Time to call 9-1-1

Other symptoms to watch for include numbness, confusion, and sudden severe headache.

As Taylor’s story shows, knowing the signs can be the difference between life and death.

“I really came out of that situation, really blessed,” Taylor said. “I’m just thankful to be able to… share my story, and hopefully bring awareness to National Stroke Month and being able to hopefully help save someone else’s life.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WXMI’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.