Hi my name is Anne Marie Mills, and I am fundraising for my 11-year-old nephew, Michael McMillen.

Michael has been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of primary bone cancer. He has a tumour located at the base of his spine, a diagnosis no family is ever prepared to hear.

Over the past year, Michael has endured a very difficult journey. He experienced ongoing pain, and his mother, Cathy, brought him to countless Dr visits, private appointments, and referrals, all while waiting for answers. When the diagnosis finally came, it was devastating for us all. Our hearts are broken, but with prayer, positivity, and the support of others, we believe Michael can overcome this and recover.

Michael is currently receiving chemotherapy at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Belfast. His treatment plan will last between 9 and 12 months and will include repeated hospital admissions for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. He will be admitted to the Royal hospital for 3–5 days every two weeks for Chemotherapy and he will then also need to travel to Manchester for Radiotherapy treatment for 6 weeks.

Due to the aggressive nature of the tumour, Michael currently has limited mobility. He experiences muscle weakness and is unable to walk long distances unaided. As part of his recovery, he will require physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help him regain strength and mobility.

Michael is part of a large and loving family. My sister Cathy and her husband Liam have nine beautiful children: Joseph (22), Sean (21), Therese (17), Grace (15), Mary Rose (13), Michael (11), Lucia (7), Noah (5), and Lily (3). Michael misses his siblings deeply and treasures the time he gets to spend with them at home in between treatments.

The funds raised will help support the family with daily living expenses, travel costs, and the necessary journeys to Manchester for radiotherapy. Donations will also help cover items essential to Michael’s care and quality of life, including:

• Installation of a downstairs shower, as Michael is unable to use the upstairs bathroom.
  
• Special dietary supplements and specific nutritional foods.
  
• Autism support, focusing on helping Michael manage and regulate his emotions.
  
• Supporting Michael’s educational needs.
  
• Purchasing any additional specialist equipment to assist Michael’s needs throughout his journey.
  
• Additional physiotherapy support.
• Building an extension onto Michael’s family home.  Michael currently lives in a three-bedroom home with his family and he is sharing a downstairs bedroom while he undergoes treatment and recovery. With the help of your generous donations, building his own bedroom onto their house would give Michael his own space—something that would make a meaningful difference to his comfort, rest, and recovery.

Michael is an incredibly strong and special boy, full of character, humour, and a smile that lights up every room. He has touched so many lives with his story and continues to inspire everyone around him. Despite the pain, treatment, and uncertainty, Michael shows remarkable courage every single day. Michael also has a diagnosis of ASD, which can make processing the many emotions and changes he is facing even more challenging.

We are asking for help—not only financially, but also through kindness, prayers, and support. Every donation, no matter how small, helps ease the burden on Michael and his family and allows them to focus on what truly matters: Michael’s health and recovery.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read Michael’s story and for supporting our family during this incredibly difficult time.

Anne Marie xxx