Keep their MVP and #1 guy in the Game M O’Riordan

Hi, My name is Kristen. I’ve organized this fundraiser on behalf of my niece, nephew and sister-in-law. My brother Michael (Mike) O’Riordan is hands down one of the best Husbands, Fathers, Sons, Brothers, and Friends on God’s Green Earth. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer over a year ago. He’s been fighting every day since.

Lets be honest, in the world today I don’t think anyone can say their life hasn’t been affected by cancer. It’s a, dark, dirty, stealthy beast and without warning grabs at your heart and soul in an attempt to create a stranglehold of darkness and negativity. At least that’s how I see it affects everyone around the patient.

My niece and nephew love their dad like crazy! They are used to him constantly being by their sides, cheering them on, living by example and always using sports as a metaphor for life. He would do Shea’s hair in the morning before school, coach Brendan’s soccer or baseball teams. He helped with homework, encouraged good sportsmanship, good study habits, as does their mom Erin. Even after his diagnosis he has continued to push through pain, nausea, sickness and fatigue to be right there cheering them and coaching them as much as possible.

Despite the side effects from, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation he continues to fight for his life and has faith that he will strike out cancer, tackle that beast and kick it’s can all the way to his GGGOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!! Heal, and dance through whatever other problems may come his way while living a long life. His faith is strong, as is ours. If you have faith in God I humbly ask you to pray for my brother, his family, our family and all of the Doctors and nurses treating him.

Michael was laid off about 6 months prior to being diagnosed. He has treatments every week to every other week. Additionally, he regularly needs other medical tests like labs, CT, MRI, ect. A week ago he was in so much pain that he went to the ER and was subsequently admitted. After a battery of tests, it was discovered that Michael needed emergency life saving surgery to repair a hole in his stomach that was draining digestive material into the stomach cavity. Currently, he remains in the hospital as there was another small hole discovered. This has been unbelievably difficult for Brendan and Shea as they are very worried about their daddy and miss him so much. Michael’s wife Erin is a public elementary and special Ed teacher in the Bronx. She just put in for an unpaid leave so she can support their kids, and their schedules as well as coordinating Michael’s care and medical treatments.

Money from this fundraiser will go towards helping to pay medical expenses not covered by insurance as well as household bills, transportation, and to enable Brendan and Shea to continue their extracurricular activities which include dance class, soccer, peer support groups and other sports etc. Michael wants nothing more than to be home with his wife and children. This fund will enable him to concentrate on getting well and fighting this wicked disease called cancer. 

From the bottom of our hearts we humbly ask that you continue to pray for Michael, Erin, Brendan, Shea, the rest of our families and especially for the medical personnel treating him. Additionally we’d ask you to share this link with friends and family and if possible in giving (any amount will help).

We thank you for your support and God bless each and every one of you!!