Our Story
From Survival
To Purpose
The personal journey that inspired a mission to restore hope, dignity, and independence for those who need it most.
Read Our Story
The Beginning
Born From A Personal Journey
Metro Global Foundation was born from a deeply personal journey of survival, recovery, and hope.
It exists because one person's experience of hardship became a calling to ensure that others facing similar challenges would not have to face them alone.
The Moment Everything Changed
A Life Interrupted
At the age of 17, only three months before graduating high school, Michael Baer's life changed unexpectedly after being involved in a serious car accident.
The accident left him partially paralyzed as a result of a spinal cord injury and caused multiple severe injuries, including fractures to his sacrum, pelvis, back, ankle, and femur. In total, he underwent seven surgeries, many of them critical.
The first twelve hours after the accident were especially important. During that time, doctors needed to act quickly and make difficult decisions regarding his treatment.
"One of those life-changing decisions was made by Michael's mother, whose courage and determination played a critical role in his recovery."
Michael remains deeply grateful to her, and to Dr. Navas, whose belief and support helped make recovery possible.
The Road to Recovery
Facing The Unknown
The road that followed was not easy.
Like many people who experience life-changing injuries, Michael faced uncertainty, fear, and the overwhelming feeling that the future he had imagined was no longer there. He was devastated and struggled to see what life would look like moving forward.
What helped him continue was the support around him.
The Power of Support
Regaining Hope
Michael was fortunate to have a family that stood beside him every step of the way, as well as access to rehabilitation services and people who believed in his recovery.
Their support helped him regain more than physical movement — it helped him regain hope.
The Turning Point
A Mission Is Born
Over time, Michael realized something that would later shape the purpose of Metro Global Foundation:
Not everyone has the same opportunity to recover.
Many individuals and families facing hardship, injury, conflict, and displacement — especially those affected by the ongoing challenges in Ukraine — do not have access to the care, rehabilitation, resources, and support systems that helped him rebuild his life.
Our Mission Today
Creating Opportunities For Recovery
That realization became the foundation's mission.
Metro Global Foundation was created to help provide support where it is needed most, to stand with individuals and families during difficult times, and to create opportunities for recovery, dignity, and hope.
The foundation exists because healing should not depend on circumstance, and because every person deserves the chance to move forward.
Recovery
Hear From Michael
The Story In His Own Words
Michael Baer
Co-founder, Director & Advocate
"Metro Global Foundation was founded because we wanna give hope for people in Ukraine."
Every Story Deserves A Chance
Michael's story is one of resilience, but it's also a reminder that recovery requires more than determination — it requires access, support, and community.
Metro Global Foundation exists to ensure that others facing similar challenges have the opportunity to write their own stories of hope and recovery.
Be Part of Our Journey
Your support helps us continue Michael's mission and provide hope, dignity, and independence to those who need it most.