Help a Friend!

 

 

 

This fund has been set up to help our dear friend and colleague Mike Contreras, an amazing Medical ICU nurse at the University of Chicago. Mike had dreams of retiring, moving to Mexico and spending the rest of his days with his beautiful wife Maggie. However, before this dream was able to become a reality, Mike got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He underwent surgery and was cancer free for a short while until his cancer came back. Since his diagnosis, Mike has not been able to work. In an effort to alleviate the financial burden of his medical bills, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover costs.

 

 

 

There are lots of words to describe Mike’s character, but the one thing that comes to mind is his willingness to help others in their greatest time of need. His selfless concern for the well-being of others is evident right when you meet him. Both of the career paths chosen by Mike are an embodiment of who he is: a Chicago Police Officer turned registered nurse. Both professions that require selfless acts simply out of a desire to help. During our greatest struggle as nurses during this COVID pandemic, Mike was the person who always brought energy to the unit. To give you an idea of his character, Mike received his cancer diagnosis and came right back to the frontlines to support his team. Even with the opportunity to retire he never abandoned us because he didn’t want to leave during a pandemic. Mike has given so much to his family, his friends and his patients; its time for us to give back to him.

 

 

 

 

This fundraiser was initiated and started by Mikes co-workers and friends with him and his family’s permission. We are fellow nurses who have stood by Mike and his family through his battle with cancer. All funds collected will go to Mike and Maggie directly. Maggie being the main beneficiary of this fundraiser. They will use the funds raised to pay medical expenses as well as living expenses as Mike is unable to work at this time and has used up his savings to pay for his medical and living expenses.