NumbOP 

My name is Mike and I live in Spokane, Washington. I grew up in Staten Island & Greenwich Village in New York City. After struggling for an entire year after college, I landed a PA job on a new show for NBC that was going up against Magnum P.I and was assured to only last a few weeks on a new pilot for NBC called, “The Cosby Show.” Needless to say, I had a long-term employment and stayed on that show for six years, mostly working with the writers and later as a Stage Manager. At the young ripe age of twenty-nine, I packed up my bags and left New York City (and the smell of dog poop) and moved to Los Angeles (for the smell of car exhaust). I was chasing the dream like many before me – that I was going to be a big shot “somebody” in Hollywood. Needless to say, I did make it to Hollywood.  Not so sure about the “big shot” part…

When I moved out to Los Angeles, I eventually left sitcoms and started producing and writing for news magazine and clip shows. After MS attacks started affecting my walking, it became obvious that I was not going to be able to travel and work in the field as a TV producer. I had an interest in editing and started taking classes to learn how to become a TV editor. It was a logical step in my career and was a job that is perfectly suited for a person who has mobility issues. I have been editing professionally in TV for four years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I wrote & produced the MS World video with Kathleen Wilson, and edited it in my home edit bay using my trusted Apple computer. MACS RULE!!! Another interesting note is my wife narrated the MS World Video and does voiceovers for television.

I was diagnosed in 1997 with relapsing remitting MS. My first symptoms were in 1995. I woke up one morning to numb feet. Thus, my operator name of NumbOP. I have been on Avonex, Betaseron, Novantrone, Tysabri (for one month) and currently Copaxone. I am truly blessed and for the last four years I have been free of MS attacks. I get around during the week with a cane, and on the weekends indulge myself with a Jazzy Power Chair.

I am married to a wonderful woman, Kristi, and we have one child. We met while working on the ABC show, “America’s Funniest People.” At first glance, she was scared of me because I had a purple ponytail. Thank goodness she was willing to see past my bad hair choices and we later married in 1996. Our son, Brendan, is five years old and the TRUE joy of our lives. He is an amazingly talented, sweet little guy! Attached is one of my all-time favorite pictures with Brendan. When I’m having a bad day and I don’t want to get out of bed and face the day, I think of him and it always helps me get up get on with my day…And really, my life! 

                              Email me:  numbOP