Michael graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in family studies in 2003. After graduating he decided to work with people with heart disease. A close family friend, Larry Key, died from a heart attack in 2005. He was just 42 years old. As a result, Michael set up a charity Heart Disease Research Institute in 2005 to honor Larry Key. For almost 15 years Michael has been supporting heart disease programs at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Oasis of Hope Heart Center, Esperanza De Vida (Hope of Life) and the 3000 Club.