<div>In July of 2023, Mike went to the doctor for a normal checkup, and mentioned he had a mild ache in his side. He thought it might be a pulled muscle. Instead, after an ultrasound, CT scan, and finally a biopsy the doctors confirmed the bad news. The scans showed a massive tumor (7cm) on his liver and it was full of CANCER. He had a rare form of Advanced Stage III Cholangiocarcinoma (liver cancer). It’s stage III because of the size, and advanced because it was beyond the liver and into the lymph node. This news hit our family hard. Mike and Karly (my sister) and the kids Ella (16), Mia (14), Mason (12), Colin (11), and Brenden (9) were devastated.
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<div>So, with faith in God, and with a treatment plan, they started down a new road. Mike had a port surgically inserted under his shoulder to support his coming treatment. He started two types of chemotherapy and a new immunotherapy recently approved. Infusions began in September, on Thursdays, 2 weeks on, one week off to recover. Mike kept working though treatment. The older kids each took a turn spending the day with him at the infusion center.
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<div>In November, the first good news appeared. A CT scan showed the tumor had shrunk by nearly 40%! They kept up the treatments through the holidays – It became harder for Mike, since chemotherapy has a cumulative effect. He made it through a full six months in February, and was able to meet with a surgeon from Vanderbilt: The tumor had shrunk again, and it looked like now he had a good chance at a successful surgery, but it was not going to be a small effort.
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<div>Surgery was scheduled for March 15. Mike said goodbye to his family and showed up at 6am to the surgery center. He endured a nine-hour surgery which removed 20% of his liver, his gallbladder, and 10 lymph nodes. All signs pointed to a successful surgery. Karly stayed with him the entire time at the hospital while her parents stayed with their kids. A few days later, Mike returned home to begin recovery, and they celebrated being together again as a whole family.
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<div>Mike is a man of deep faith and unwavering strength, a true warrior facing battles many would find impossible to endure. Over the past few months, he has undergone a whirlwind of treatments and now is getting ready to undergo even more chemo– all while maintaining the remarkable resilience that has become his trademark. His wife Karly and their children have been his rock, providing unwavering support and love every single day. Mike has a strong faith but understandably has been rocked to his core. Through it all, he could not be closer to God than he is right now. The community that surrounds him, and the love from his family and friends are carrying him through. Your prayers, and words of encouragement, mean so much. This is a story where you can see God’s work and blessings every step of the way.
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<div>But the harsh reality is that Mike's rare and aggressive form of liver cancer has taken a huge toll on his body and his family. The continuing physical and mental strain of his treatments is very real, and the increasing financial burden has left the family in a difficult position. They are a single income family. Mike has a good job, and his company is very supportive, but it is not enough. Karly homeschools all 5 kids as well as teaches classes on Fridays.  Karly and Mike are the epitome of generosity and selflessness, always the first to lend a helping hand to others in need. Now, I humbly ask for their community to return the favor and provide the same unwavering support they have given to so many.
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<div>That's why I'm starting this GoFundMe fundraiser on behalf of Mike and his family. I want to help alleviate some of the financial stress they are facing so that Mike can focus all of his energy on his fight. Every donation, no matter how small, will provide a lifeline to a man who has given so much to others. If a donation is not something you can give, then I ask you to please pray for Mike and his family.
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<div>Mike will start his next round of treatments the first week of May. He will have chemotherapy and immunotherapy for 3 to 6 months. They will also do postoperative scans to form a new baseline with ongoing DNA testing. One of the advanced tests they are using to create and track the genetic profile of Mike’s cancer is very new and not covered by insurance. We are asking for help for Mike and Karly and their kids to continue this fight. God has been incredibly faithful providing the right physicians and treatments for medical healing. Now I am humbly asking for support to fight a financial cancer that threatens the stability of their family. The bills and additional living expenses continue to roll in. They’ve cut all the “extras” but they are now beyond what can just be cut. As he continues to fight this battle with the next treatment steps, I have no doubt that he will face each day with the same fierce determination that has carried him this far. Karly and Mike are ready to roll up their sleeves and fight this battle with everything they have.
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<div>They are deeply grateful for every prayer, every donation, and every kind word that has and will come their way during this difficult time. Mike is more than just a brother, father,and friend, he is a mentor, and a true gift to this world. I know that his story will continue to inspire and uplift others, even as he faces his most challenging days.
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<div>Mike had this to say: “I am a small man; I have little worldly accomplishments. I have no great academic credentials; I have not climbed high on the corporate ladder or won accolades in an artistic field. I spent much of the last 20 years as a technical writer just trying to do the right thing for those closest to me. My great ambition is to simply be a husband to Karly and a father to Ella, Mia, Mason, Colin, and Brenden for as long as God gives me breath.”
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<div>Please join me in standing with Mike and his family during this time. Spread the word, and send your love and prayers their way. Together, we can help carry Mike's load and give him the strength to keep fighting.
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<div>This is Mike's story, and it is a testament to the power of faith in Christ Jesus, love, and community. It is a story of a man who has given so much and asks for nothing in return, except the chance to keep living his life to the fullest. And it is a story that will continue to inspire and uplift us all, all for the glory of God.
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<div>Romans 8:37
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<div>With deepest gratitude,
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<div>Kelly
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<div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DIi0DRq6ww" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DIi0DRq6ww" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DIi0DRq6ww</a></a>
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