Kilian family cancer fight fund

Mike is a husband, father, friend, co-worker, coach, mentor, neighbor, leader, listener and a plethora of other titles to long to list. He has been a Paraprofessional for the Monticello school district for over 20 years.  During his days at school, he is a job coach to 18-21 year olds, helping them to achieve their highest potential.  While coaching the kids he has been involved in guiding them at Emagine theater in Monticello, Wright tech in Buffalo with the autos program, Crossroads Animal Shelter in Buffalo and CentraCare in Monticello.  On the weekends, Mike is a mentor/PCA/companion for adult males from RAM in St CLoud. For the last seven years, he has worked with the guys, all who have developmental disabilities.  He takes them to outings and helps them to enjoy the things in life we may take for granted such as a baseball game, bowling or just socializing at the pub.   For 30 years he has coached 7th grade baseball, football and basketball for St. Cloud School Dist 742.  In the role of coaching, he has been able to be a solid, constant, and positive role model in countless boys lives. Prior to setteling down with a wife and family, Mike was in the United States Navy.  He proudly served his country for four years. While enlisted, he was cook on the USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601) out of port up to 6 months at a time.   Mike is a man that lives his life helping others, so in his time of need I am asking for you to find it in your heart and help him. He has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has already found it's way to his liver. This came as a surprise and has left the family in a whirlwind of emotions, medical appointments, job loss and planning of home and personal cares since Mike is unable to do all he is used to, because Chemo has left him weak, nauseous, and both physically and emotionally drained. Mike is taking three types of chemo to try and stifle the growth of the cancer. Sadly there is no cure. He has a supportive wife that is juggling work and caregiving. Susan works part-time at Catholic Charities in St CLoud and had a second job at Target East in St Cloud.  She recently had to take a leave from her second job because it was to taxing to try to balance those hours and Mikes medical appointments.  They have two young adult children that are in the midst of trying to manage their lives and help mom and dad as they can. His daughter Elora is a teacher in China, which means she got that devastating call and had to fly 13+hours to be with her family just to know she had to go back.  The ticket home  was over $1000.   Elora was able to be home for a few weeks, but needed to head back to finish her contract.  She has the opportunity to come back in April, but there is that high priced ticket to face again.  Just one of the unexpected bills during the most emotional times of the families life. There son Jordan is in collage over in Moorhead trying to finish up his degree.  Each time he goes back and forth from school he sees the devastating effects of the cancer and chemo on his dad’s body.  He has had to learn how to be a caregiver for his dad.  This adds to the emotional battle.  Trying to focus on studies, knowing that the strong man who raised him is now relying on him for basic needs.   They made the trip to Mayo in Rochester to see if there was more treatment options.  The family had to spend three nights in hotels, an expensive trip that left them with no more options than they already had.  Mike needs to miss 90 days of work before his long term disability kicks in.  Unfortunately, he does not have short-term disability.  As bills continue to build due to a huge loss of income and added medical expenses arise, I am hoping that we as a community we can band together and give this family financial support so they can focus on what really matters. Your donations, no matter the amount, will be used to help pay these unexpected bills and ease some of the burden, giving them more capacity for the emotional side of this battle. Please consider not only helping by donating, but also sharing this link with all people you know. You never know who it may touch and who may be moved to help. Mike and Susan are very active and long time members of Holy Spirit Church in St. Cloud giving to their community through serving.  They very much need and appreciate your prayers.  Feel free to cover them in your daily prayer and add them to any prayer groups that you have.  Thank you for keeping this family in your prayers. Page created and updated by fellow para Jane H.D. in hopes to get Kilian family as much financial help as possible. Please share this with as many people as you can.