While I was trying to find the words to to write this, a quote from one of my favorite books came to my mind, “There’s not an expiration date on needing help, or needing people. You don’t get to a certain age and it stops.” ― Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

I can’t help but chuckle a little at typing this and thinking how Mike Williamson would never ask anyone for help. If you know him personally, or professionally, you know this all to well.

Some might know him as Dr. Williamson, or Dr. Mike. I’ve always referred to him as Mike. My mom asked me if I wanted to call him dad when they married. I was eight. So in my mind, calling someone dad when I had never referred to anyone as dad felt a little weird. Even though Mike had been around as my only father figure as far back as I can remember. For context, my biological dad passed when I was just a year old, so this was a little confusing for an eight year old at the time. So, Mike it was and has always been.

I may refer to him as Mike, but I can’t think of a better name for him and the role he’s played in my life than, Dad. Not only is he Dad to me, his daughter Jordan, my two brother’s, many friends and family members, my new husband, many co-workers and patients of his over the years, but he’s also never shuttered at stepping up for a stranger when they’ve needed a father-like figure.

Another name he earned that he is so deserving and proud of is, “Pop”. I think it’s safe to say this is his favorite name. That’s what all the grandkids call him. Four boys, Gavin, Mason, Elliott, and Ethan. And one girl, Allie-Brynn, who he’s always called “princess” because that’s what any southern grandad would call their only little girl.

Whether you know him by Doctor, Dad, Mike, or Pop, then you know what a gentle and caring soul this man is. A man who’s never wanted or asked for anything, but would go to the ends of the earth to lend a hand to someone else when they needed it. If you needed money, he pulled out his checkbook. If you needed help with dental care, he made sure you were seen. Need a hand moving? Well he’s got a truck for you. A stray cat that needs a home? This cat-loving man has room in his house.

There comes a point in life where we all need a little help sometimes, which is why I’m asking for yours. Our beloved Mike was diagnosed with cancer recently. Mike was still working full-time at 70 years old, taking care of my mother who recently retired with disability, taking care of his own mother who just recently went into assisted living, and still carrying the rest of our entire family on his back with a smile on his face.

If you know us personally, then you know how present Mike has been for us, and many others over the years. Not only emotionally and physically, but financially has always taken on more than he can chew. With his recent diagnosis, and the expenses that come along with cancer treatment, Mike and my mom are at risk at losing everything they have ever worked for.

With your help, I would like to lessen the financial load for my parents during this very unpredictable time in their lives. When something like this happens, all we have is our community. So, I’m reaching out to anyone that will donate, or share this post if you’re unable to contribute financially. We’re forever grateful for anything you may be able to do.

Let’s show up for Mike as he has always done for us!