Michael’s Brain Cancer Fight

On October 12th 2017, the Retz family of South West Florida had their entire world flipped upside down. Their 10-year-old son Michael was diagnosed with a rare high grade brain tumor.

Michael was living a healthy happy life, until he started to feel ill. As most parent’s think, Michael’s parents thought he had your average stomach virus, taking him to see his pediatrician. Michael seemed to get better while taking medication but once the meds were gone the uneasiness returned. His pediatrician referred him to GI specialist who treated him, believing he was experiencing reflux issues. The Doctor sent the family for more testing after a week of vomiting continued, now with balance issues. After an MRI at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, Michael was air-lifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital where he stayed in PICU over the weekend. On Monday October 16th he underwent a 10-hour operation to remove most of the tumor discovered in his brain. Michael underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments 5-days a week in Tampa. Michael continued chemo treatments every 6 weeks this past year and just after the new year his tumor started growing again in additional parts of his brain as well as his spine.

The family is praying for miracle however have been given grave news as to his outcome and are grateful for the support of family, friends, and the community. Please consider making a small donation to help the family with travel and food expenses during this difficult time.