Man Dedicated to Helping Save Oklahomans' Lives in Need of Help

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A man whose dedicated his life to helping others is now in need of help.

Mike Ratliff is a storm chaser who is now hospitalized following a life threatening illness.

"Monday the 9th, severe pain in my stomach. It felt like I got shot or someone was stabbing me," Ratliff said.

The 28-year-old was admitted for surgery at Norman Regional Hospital on May 10, just hours before the outbreak of tornadoes that struck central Oklahoma.

"I told the doctors I didn't want to the surgery," said Ratliff from his hospital bed. "I knew the storms were going to be bad and I knew lives were going to be in danger. I wanted to be tracking the storms and warning people, but instead I was in surgery."

Ratliff said a scar from a childhood surgery had blocked a portion of his large intestine, and doctors had it surgically removed.

"I've been here in the hospital since the 10th, and I'll be down for several more weeks," Ratliff said.

Ratliff and his chasing partner made international news after getting dramatic video of an Oklahoma tornado earlier this year. Both had given up their jobs to dedicate all their time and attention to this year's storm season. For that reason, Ratliff doesn't have medical insurance and needs help paying for his hospital bills.

"My passion is weather and warning others. That was going to be my job this spring and summer," Ratliff said. "Selling our tornado videos is how I make money, but I can't do that now."

Ratliff goes home Saturday, but it will be many more weeks before he's back to normal.

Ratliff is asking for any kind of financial assistance. He can be reached at michaeldphotography@yahoo.com.

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