Michael Fichera's Treatment Fund
Donation protected
Diagnosis
Michael was first diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer in April 2013. After surgery and chemotherapy, he was in remission for almost 3 years. Another brain tumor was discovered in 2016 followed by another surgery and chemotherapy. Less than a year later, in November 2017, Michael was re-diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma and underwent a third surgery and is currently undergoing treatment in Arizona at the Envita Clinic, an Integrative Medical Facility.
Treatment & Costs
Envita uses powerful and targeted treatments that are made possible by bridging natural based therapies and state-of-the-art conventional medicine. Unfortunately, most of the these treatments are not covered by insurance since they consider it "experimental". Michael is receiving treatment that is targeted to his exact cancer DNA, as well as fractionated chemotherapy (15% of conventional medicine).
The estimated out of pocket cost for treatment is approximately $100,000.
Family
But brain cancer is only part of Michael's story. He and his wife of 20 years, Linda, felt the Lord's call on their lives to foreign adoption and are now blessed with 3 beautiful girls. Each adoption presented unique challenges and an opportunity to seek the Lord's wisdom and will every step of the way.
Emma was adopted in 2002 at 9 months old from Fuling, China. Kearly was adopted 4 years later from Ecuador at age 3. And Miriam was officially adopted at age 8 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but it took 4 years before they were allowed to finally bring her home. It was during this time that Michael was first diagnosed with brain cancer.
Faith
Anyone who knows Michael knows that his faith is his source of strength, comfort and hope, his everything! In his own words, Michael tells his faith story...
As God has chosen to use us on this journey of brain cancer, I find my peace, comfort and strength are daily built up by the gift of faith that He has given to me. Each day has become the new normal as even the simple things like grocery shopping requires asking for help and direction. As Job said, "Shall I accept good and not trouble?" Humility has become a close companion. I know that apart from Jesus, I can do nothing and I know that through him I can do all things because He gives me strength. This is a truth and reality that I have come to experience firsthand. I am not a victim but I am victorious through Christ. Not of anything that I have done, but simply because of what he has already done on my behalf.
Truly, grace equals glorious realities as Christ empowers. I pray that I remain strong and courageous, giving all glory to God. Pray that I would be like a tree planted by the river, that my girls would see their earthly daddy receive love and mercy from our heavenly Father, that I would walk out my true faith through this trial in all that lies before us, and that my girls' faith would remain steadfast in the resurrected Christ. We must all run the race with endurance. May grace and peace, through faith, be ours in abundance.
My desire is that others would know there is power in the name of Jesus.
~ Michael Fichera
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Michael was first diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer in April 2013. After surgery and chemotherapy, he was in remission for almost 3 years. Another brain tumor was discovered in 2016 followed by another surgery and chemotherapy. Less than a year later, in November 2017, Michael was re-diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma and underwent a third surgery and is currently undergoing treatment in Arizona at the Envita Clinic, an Integrative Medical Facility.
Treatment & Costs
Envita uses powerful and targeted treatments that are made possible by bridging natural based therapies and state-of-the-art conventional medicine. Unfortunately, most of the these treatments are not covered by insurance since they consider it "experimental". Michael is receiving treatment that is targeted to his exact cancer DNA, as well as fractionated chemotherapy (15% of conventional medicine).
The estimated out of pocket cost for treatment is approximately $100,000.
Family
But brain cancer is only part of Michael's story. He and his wife of 20 years, Linda, felt the Lord's call on their lives to foreign adoption and are now blessed with 3 beautiful girls. Each adoption presented unique challenges and an opportunity to seek the Lord's wisdom and will every step of the way.
Emma was adopted in 2002 at 9 months old from Fuling, China. Kearly was adopted 4 years later from Ecuador at age 3. And Miriam was officially adopted at age 8 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but it took 4 years before they were allowed to finally bring her home. It was during this time that Michael was first diagnosed with brain cancer.
Faith
Anyone who knows Michael knows that his faith is his source of strength, comfort and hope, his everything! In his own words, Michael tells his faith story...
As God has chosen to use us on this journey of brain cancer, I find my peace, comfort and strength are daily built up by the gift of faith that He has given to me. Each day has become the new normal as even the simple things like grocery shopping requires asking for help and direction. As Job said, "Shall I accept good and not trouble?" Humility has become a close companion. I know that apart from Jesus, I can do nothing and I know that through him I can do all things because He gives me strength. This is a truth and reality that I have come to experience firsthand. I am not a victim but I am victorious through Christ. Not of anything that I have done, but simply because of what he has already done on my behalf.
Truly, grace equals glorious realities as Christ empowers. I pray that I remain strong and courageous, giving all glory to God. Pray that I would be like a tree planted by the river, that my girls would see their earthly daddy receive love and mercy from our heavenly Father, that I would walk out my true faith through this trial in all that lies before us, and that my girls' faith would remain steadfast in the resurrected Christ. We must all run the race with endurance. May grace and peace, through faith, be ours in abundance.
My desire is that others would know there is power in the name of Jesus.
~ Michael Fichera
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Organizer and beneficiary
Lauren Stabilito Yates
Organizer
Perkasie, PA
Linda Scotto
Beneficiary