Across town, or three states away, Michael Commander never hesitated to help someone in need.
As a lineman with Keys Energy Services, he was a high-voltage hero after every hurricane and power outage, restoring power to local neighborhoods, and heading out of town to help other storm-tossed communities return to a sense of normalcy — and air-conditioning.
As a husband and father, Commander spent decades coaching youth sports for his own kids and countless others. He volunteered at local events and showed up unasked whenever he could help, whether to fix a flat tire on the side of the road, move a couch or offer an earnest pep talk on the ballfield.
But a devastating diagnosis — early-onset Alzheimer’s — changed everything a few years ago. Commander was in his early 50s when the symptoms began.
Now 57, he struggles to navigate the steps in his own home and needs increasing assistance with daily life activities. And his family needs help helping him.
So Key West is doing what it does best — taking care of its own, and raising money to empower the retired lineman by installing an elevator at his home.
Manny Estevez, Pat Labrada, Keys Energy employees and dozens of Commander’s friends and relatives have joined forces to raise money for the purchase and installation of the elevator while raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and its profound impacts.
Labrada estimates the total cost to be around $16,000.
A three-day charity bocce tournament will take place Friday through Sunday, Aug. 2-4 at the Indigenous Park bocce courts, corner of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard.
The entry fee of $200 per two-person team will benefit the elevator fund, along with all proceeds from raffles that will occur throughout the tournament. Privation donations are also welcome via Venmo @KWfight4Mike.
All teams are guaranteed to play three games and cash prizes will be given to winners.
anTo register a team or make a donation, call Manny Estevez at 305-797-8476.
