#MikesArmy Against cancer

Around May 2022 Michael Calnek started seeing doctors about pain in his back. He had been experiencing pain for sometime and he just thought it was due to heavy lifting at work. After seeing pain management doctors who misdiagnosed him with a herniated disc he was convinced by his mom and wife that something more serious was wrong. Little did he know it was going to change his life forever.

On July 9, Michael found out he had metastatic cancer throughout his back. He has a large piece of cancer on his T3 vertebrae that is pressing on nerves and spinal cord. He had a CT scan that showed cancer on his spine, liver, ribs, lymph nodes, and esophagus. He can barely move and is getting numb in several places. He had to undergo more CT scans and MRI’s including for his head as his vision has been getting worse and he has small bumps the size of peanut M&Ms popping up.

Michael was scheduled to go through surgery on Monday, July 18 but when he went into the hospital for his scheduled biopsy on July 14, he was barely able to walk, the doctor stated they were going to keep him for emergency surgery on July 15, to place a plate in his back, so that his spine doesn’t collapse and make him paralyzed.

This is the latest on Michael and his treatment to date. As a sole provider for his family this road has been rough in such a short amount of time.

With every appointment comes a cost. With every procedure comes at cost. With every trip, meal, treatment, time off work, and cost he couldn’t prepare for. Cost not covered by insurance.

We are asking for help. Whether it's reaching out, or helping offset costs associated with this diagnosis, we are thankful for any and all of the support he will receive. Our goal is to help lift his spirits, and offset Out of Pocket costs, as we help him through this fight.

Michel has brought so many of us together, and brought overwhelming light into so many of our lives. Help us show him how important he is to all of us. Thank you for your support.