Help Mike Painter and His Family Fight Liver Cancer

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,

We are reaching out to you on behalf of Michael Painter, a devoted husband, father, and first responder who is currently fighting the biggest battle of his life. Mike has been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer, specifically a rare and aggressive form called cholangiocarcinoma.

Mike's journey began when doctors discovered spots on his liver during a CT scan. To fight this disease, he has started chemotherapy, with the hope of addressing the cancer in his liver once his blood is clear. This treatment, while vital, has brought many challenges. As an EMT, police officer, and deputy sheriff, Mike has spent years selflessly caring for others in their moments of greatest need. But his immune system will be severely weakened during treatment, making it impossible for him to continue working in the field he loves so much during his time in treatment.

Mike’s life has been one of service. He has dedicated himself to protecting and helping others as a police officer, deputy sheriff, and EMT. Now, in this critical time, Mike and his family need our help. The cost of medical treatments, combined with the loss of income, has placed a tremendous financial strain on his wife Kristen and their teenage son Deacon.

This is where we, as a community, can step in. Your support will help ease the burden of mounting bills and ensure that the Painter family can focus on what matters most—Mike's health and their time together as a family. Every donation, no matter the size, is a blessing and makes a difference.

Even if you are unable to contribute financially, your prayers and positive thoughts mean the world to Mike and his family. They deeply appreciate the love and encouragement that surrounds them during this difficult time.

Mike has spent his life serving others, and now it’s our turn to show him and his family the same love and compassion he has always given so freely. Let’s rally around the Painters and remind them they are not alone in this fight. Together, we can help Mike beat cancer and create hope for the future.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Your support means more than words can express.

With gratitude,

The Painter Family and Friends

Update 1/22/26:

Michael's last scans in December 2025 showed the original 4 lesions/tumors, “No Growth and No Spread” outside of the liver with the exception to the larger lesion, which has had some “mild progression”.

Mike is currently on a Targeted Immunotherapy Medication that he takes once a day at home that attacks the specific mutation of his cancer. This has been rough on him as the medication has several side effects which have taken a physical and mental toll on him.

There is a newer treatment that was approved by the FDA in 2023 for his particular type of cancer called Histotripsy. This treatment uses sound waves to liquify and kills the tumor cells. This is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that looks to be very promising in eliminating tumors in the liver.

Mike has been evaluated by doctors at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Ks and they have determined that the 2 larger tumors are within the parameters for this treatment. We are told that they would have to do two separate procedures to fully remove the two larger tumors. Even though this is an FDA approved treatment, it is still classified as “Experimental”, so our insurance has declined to pay for any part of it (which is written in the policy). We have exhausted every appeal process, but they continue to decline our request for coverage.

We are moving forward with the procedures, but it is going to have a substantial financial impact on us paying for this out-of-pocket. The cost of each of the procedures will be approximately $30,000 each.

We are reaching out to ask for your help. Whether it’s a small donation, sharing this post, or just keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. Every bit makes a difference in helping our family.

If you would like to donate, you can use this GoFundMe as it is still active. If you prefer Venmo, Kristen's is @Kristen-Fritschie and/or Mike’s is @Michael-Painter-57.

Thank you for all the love you’ve already shown my family. It means the world to us!