- Michael was diagnosed with Malignant neuroendocrine tumors that have metastasized to his liver. He is only 30 years old and he and his wife just welcomed a beautiful baby boy. Michael is a compassionate, dedicated hard worker. He has been working at a local durable medical equipment company with hospice patients for several years. Michael is that guy everyone can count on. He is an amazing big brother to 9 siblings and the best friend anyone could have. The local medical oncologist here in Idaho gave little to no hope. We have a referral to 2 other states with specialist that offer life saving treatment. The main issue is securing funding to cover the monthly bills. It is expected to be several months of treatment in another state without any income coming in to cover the basics. The home, auto and utilities is just at $3000.00 per month and does not include food or diapers. The additional cost of trying to find a place to stay and basic needs while in another state. Please include Michael and his family in your prayers if you say them and send positive vibes. Everything helps and I was directed to this site as all donations are tax deductible. This is site also gets more funds to the patient. Of course direct donations are helpful and always beneficial. Our goal is to allow Michael his dream of watching his son grow into a man. Thank you for taking time to read this and I do apologize as his mom this is all fresh and I am probably not making a ton of sense. But Thank you and please share and help Mikey!
Update! We have an appointment with a specialist on the 13th and testing tomorrow and then in a couple of weeks. Mike has been spending snuggle time with his baby and has been making attempt to work. He is staying positive and is so grateful for all the support.
***UPDATE 7/14/23***
We are headed to Salt Lake early Tuesday for testing at Huntsmans cancer institute. Testing on Tuesday and Wednesday. These tests are required prior to moving forward with treatment options and or surgery.
Dr. Soares (Huntsmans) is an award winning neuroendocrine cancer oncology specialist and rated in the top 1% in the world. She is currently running a study with a new medication that is showing hope. Hope is huge from where we were 2 weeks ago.
The surgeon will be Dr. Lui in Denver at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. Dr. Lui is also awward winning and extremely talented neuroendocrine oncologist and surgeon. He is dedicated and determined with all of his surgeries. Was told he has a tendency to be a little OCD in finding cancer and removing it. Dr Lui and Dr. Soares are a dream team and we have both! Michael will be needing to be traveling for care every 2 weeks for the next few months. I will update as more information comes. Please continue the positive thoughts and prayers. Please share! Thank you all so much. You have seriously given this momma bear some hope!
Update 8/3/23
Sitting in the parking lot as Mike is in appointment 8 of the day here at Huntsmans Cancer center / University of Utah. Finishing the day off with another MRI. Looks like we are back in a week for a few days to start the study 💊. This is a huge move forward in the fight. Being such a rare cancer it has been hard to find funding for the search of a cure and treatment. Dr. Soares is amazing and has personal reasons for her determination in finding a cure. She speaks globally and shares what she has learned. As of now the plan is to be in Salt Lake every 2 weeks for the next few months. Each trip is going to be 2 nights in a hotel. I am searching for healthy quick and easy to prepare meals…only a few hotels seem to have microwaves. Any thoughts would be great. Please keep sharing and keep those positive thoughts and prayers coming!
Update 8/9
We are in Salt lake and have a few appointments tomorrow. Officially starting treatment tomorrow! As of now we will be here every 2 weeks for the next few months. Thank you so much to everyone that has donated, shared, sent positive thoughts and all prayers. Thank you to everyone that has dropped of meals and helped with car payment, mortgage and such. I am still looking at fundraising ideas and open to suggestions. Still need to raise funds.
UPDATE 8/10
TREATMENT HAS STARTED!!!
8/25 Update
Treatment dose 2! His pain at the site is obvious but attitude is excellent! Back in 2 weeks! Please keep those prayers and positive thoughts flowing! In just a coupke months we should be able to see if the tumors are being effected by the treatment!!!
Thank you!