My name is Michael Dickerson. I am a diabetic, and nearly 4 months ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I’m still trying to process how I feel.

Months before my diagnosis, I endured worsening stomach pains and nausea, eventually ending up seeing my doctor and getting a colonoscopy. It revealed a large tumor in my colon, later confirmed as cancer.

At just 61, I underwent urgent surgery to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, the tumor could not be removed as it was too large and intricately attached, necessitating the removal of a significant portion of the colon. It was blocking my intestines, and they had to do a stoma surgery, so now I have a colostomy bag. I had CT, MRI, and PET scans done, and thankfully, the scans show the cancer hasn’t spread to my lungs, liver, or kidney Thank God for that Amen.

I spent seven days and a blood transfusion in the hospital recovering from surgery, supported by an incredible team of doctors, nurses, family, and friends. Bless them all. Now, I’m preparing for the next steps, including learning my cancer stage and starting chemotherapy. The oncologist says I will need 6 months of chemotherapy every two weeks. The chemotherapy will hopefully shrink the tumor and when it's small enough they will do another surgery to remove the tumor. This journey has been physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.

I’ve created this GoFundMe to ease the financial burden of uncovered medical expenses, additional alternative treatments, lost income during recovery, and the costs of living expenses (rent, food, utility bills etc)while I heal. While I’m fortunate to have my work insurance and FMLA to hopefully cover many traditional medical costs, that too is running out. What money we have saved is running very low, and I still face uncertainty around out-of-pocket expenses and day-to-day living costs. Every donation will be used solely for necessary expenses.

Sharing this request is humbling, and I’m deeply grateful for your consideration. Your support allows me to focus on recovery without the constant stress of financial strain. Thank you for helping me through this life-changing time—it truly means the world to me and my family.

Truthfully, I'm having so many intense thoughts. What if I'm going to die soon? What if we can't financially afford this? We are already financially vulnerable.

Asking for this type of support makes me feel humbled. I don't want to take advantage of no one. I fear if I didn't ask for help now, maybe I wouldn't get it, and maybe this help could be a safety net in the next year depending on what happens for us to be able to take things on without stress and fear beyond the intensity of the moment.

I'm trying to figure this all out, but I really want you to know that this request is done with humility and respect. I will keep everyone updated on my progress.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering helping me during this life-changing time.

Michael