My name is Karen (Candell) Flannery. I am fundraising for my son, Michael, who is 48 years old. Michael was diagnosed with tongue and larynx cancer last year. After a Partial Glossectomy surgery for his tongue on May 31, 2024, a month later, he started 35 intense radiation treatments five days a week with two treatments on Fridays. He was a real trooper through it all. Unfortunately, he has been left with severe voice difficulties and very painful larynx and vocal cord problems caused by the radiation burning the lining in his throat leaving him susceptible to infections. After multiple prescriptions for antibiotics and steriods over the last six months since his last radiation treatment, Michael is still unable to talk with any clarity.

Michael's journey has continued with multiple hospital stays since the end of December and where he currently is since March 9th. He has undergone two surgeries since being admitted as he battles one complication after another.

Michael has been living on limited funds from his Carpenter Union's Short Term Disability plan. This plan ends soon. He has exhausted his savings and is unable to continue to pursue his longtime career in the Carpenter's Union. Michael has always enjoyed Building America commercially and residentially believing he was helping to make Dreams Come True for those building from the ground up or adding additions to their homes.

Michael is a very caring person with a big heart and has always been there with a helping hand for others in need. Asking for help is challenging, but very necessary as he has not seen any relief since his radiation treatments ended. I know it goes without saying, but the added financial stress does not help while trying to continue managing his health and trying to move forward with his positive attitude.

Your donation, large or small, will make a difference and will be heartfelt and appreciated by myself and my son. These funds will help with Michael's medical expenses, keeping a roof over his head and his beloved German Short-haired Pointer, Breeze as well as his daily living expenses.

Michael's healing journey began with the Ringing of the Bell on August 9, 2024. By August 21st, he had notable improvement and by August 30th, he had an amazing healing transformation. Unfortunately, his journey forward has not gone as well.

We had been told the aftermath of radiation was more problematic than the actual radiation treatments which were no picnic. We had no idea how much the radiation had significantly burned the lining of Michael's throat and esophagus eventually leading to on-going infections and the loss of his voice.

Michael continues to remain positive and push forward through his multiple hospital stays. Before his recent hospital stay which began on March 9th, he had been in St. Lukes Hospital in Milwaukee for a week where he received 5 Hyperbaric Oxygen therapies for two hours a session. When discharged on March 2nd, he continued his oxygen therapy as an outpatient in Kenosha, WI at Aurora Medical 5 days a week, 2 hours each treatment. He was scheduled for 45 treatments.

Unfortunately, after 5 outpatient oxygen treatments, he was rushed to the hospital on March 9th followed by immediate surgery for severe diverticulitis resulting in a temporary colostomy bag. Five days later, a second surgery was necessary after Michael had a choking/coughing episode in an attempt to clear his phlegm causing his intestines to burst through his stoma.

After a swallow test revealed Michael's food was going into his one lung, pneumonia set in resulting in a third surgery to get a temporary PEG Tube (feeding tube).

Michael's journey has definitely had its stumbling blocks, but I have faith the light at the end of his tunnel will shine bright again. Michael returned home on March 25th to continue his very intense healing journey.

We are grateful and feel Blessed for your generosity, thoughts and prayers. Sharing Michael's fundraiser would also be very much appreciated. Thank you and God Bless. We both Thank You from our hearts for all your kindness and prayers.