Help Our Warrior Mike Win His Fight

Mike’s Fight: Our Warrior’s Journey Against Leukemia

On July 17, 2025, the day before his 43rd birthday, my husband Mike was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. What was supposed to be a birthday filled with joy quickly turned into the beginning of the biggest fight of his life.

Mike has always been a warrior - a proud Army veteran, a loving husband, an incredible father, and a man who has spent his life serving his family, his country, and his community. Now, it’s our turn to rally behind him.

Mike is already showing his strength and determination in ways that inspire me daily. Even in the midst of grueling chemo treatments, he continues to give back - donating extra blood and marrow samples for medical research to help future patients. No matter how hard I try to be Mike’s rock, he somehow continues to be mine.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and encouragement from family and friends. So many of you have asked what you can do. Truthfully, asking for help doesn’t come easy for us - we’ve always managed on our own. But right now, we need support.

While Mike’s VA benefits are in the process of kicking in, we’re facing out-of-pocket costs for:

• Medical bills/expenses (we expect the VA to cover most things but we do have ER visits/ambulance rides leading up to the diagnosis we will have to cover)

• Gas and travel (multiple weekly trips into Charlotte and Shelby for appointments, lab work and infusions)

• Meals on the road and at the hospital (because the same inpatient menu gets old fast, and Mike has found comfort in Panera, Chick-fil-A at CMC Main, and Caribou/little sandwich shop in the Levine’s cancer center)

• Comfort and care items at home, like PICC line sleeves, button-down chemo shirts, magnesium cream for sleep, and supplements to keep him strong

• Everyday needs for our family as I take unpaid FMLA leave from work to care for him

Your generosity will help us stay afloat during this difficult time, ensuring Mike can focus all of his strength on healing.

Mike is strong. He is focused. He is determined. He is a warrior - and with your help, we know he can win this fight.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for every prayer, every message, every bit of support. We feel your love and it is carrying us through.