Victor was born on March 28, 1986 with Spina Bifida, a potentially fatal condition. Spina Bifida is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. It is a disorder that involves incomplete development of the spinal cord caused by the failure of a fetus’s spine to close properly. Infants born with Spina Bifida sometimes have an open "lesion" on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred.

Victor’s condition was so severe at birth that doctors advised his parents, Mickey and Lisa May that chances of the baby ever living to come home were poor to none. But Victor and God had other ideas…a true miracle himself, Victor not only survived his first few months (and did in fact come home!), but he has overcome the odds and is now 22 years old, and is an intelligent, viable young man.

Victor’s father, Mickey relayed that Victor has had to have 22 surgeries. He is confined to a wheelchair due to lower body paralysis. But, despite much pain and physical suffering, "He never has a bad day…he always has a smile," his father stated. Victor’s dad also said, "He never has questioned his disability. He has never asked, "Why?" Victor just lives his life with joy and spreads that joy to everyone around him.

Leading the building project is Clifton Ave. Church of God. Pastor David Cotto and his wife, Pastor Tina Cotto reported that the idea originated with church member and local contractor, Larry Hufford. Hufford stated that "God placed this idea in my heart after I spoke one day with Mickey May (an employee of Hufford’s)." The conversation revolved around May’s family home, which is not "handicap friendly." Mickey May had sustained a significant back injury which left him unable to work for several years. That, coupled with enormous medical bills left the family with tremendous financial challenges.

Hufford took his idea to his Pastor as he couldn’t determine how the task of building a new home for the Mays family could be accomplished. The church had a "Visionary Weekend" for members to pray and brainstorm in order to jump start the project.

Land was donated on Pine Street in Springfield for the home to be built on. Finally, after a year of planning and organizing, the Ground-Breaking Ceremony took place at the Pine Street construction site on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. The first spades of dirt were turned, marking the official beginning of a new home for Victor May, his parents, and brother, Joshua. When asked what he thinks of the Springfield community’s efforts to build him a new handicapped acceptable home, Victor smiled broadly and said, "I’m speechless." His father Mickey stated, "We’re overwhelmed to see so many people come together to help someone that they don’t even know. There are just two words that we can think of to sum up all our feelings about this miracle…Thank you!" If anyone is interested in helping with Project Emmanuel, Pastor Cotto suggests calling the Clifton Ave. Church of God office at, (937) 324-5398.