Many of you may know Michael Motta. He is a humble and youthful 55-year old who would never ask for assistance. Many of us just like Michael would never ask for any assistance. The year 2020 has taught me to be more proactive and assist when needed. Michael was always the life of the party and ready to cheer up others when we worked together at 24 Hour Fitness; in fact, as general manager,  he hired, coached, and provided opportunities for many people during his tenure. Michael has never met his father, so his relationship and participation in his son's upbringing, are the most important things in his life. Right now, Michael is scared because he does not want his son to grow up without his father. He takes care of his body, mind, and soul, by eating healthy, exercising, praying, and meditating. He resides in Los Angeles, CA, and loves his community.  Please read Michael’s story.

On November 27, 2018, I received a PARALYZING call from my urologist who informed me that I had an aggressive type of prostate cancer (PCa) with a very high Gleason score of 4+5 and advancing cancer cells.  On January 21, 2019, I had my prostate removed (radical prostatectomy) after multiple treatments for severe gastrointestinal problems, chronic prostatitis (an inflamed prostate), and an extremely high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rising to 120 (PSA for men should be under 4). Over the next 8 months, I read several books on everything that had to do with cancer, saw several more docs, and continued to pray and meditate.  I then decided what to do next.  Between October and December 2019, I completed 32 rounds of radiation treatments.  After my ordeal, I began to share my knowledge, research, and encourage others with their own self-care.

The funds that I am requesting are for the hospital, medical, and supplemental health expenses not covered by my insurance ($25,000). Change is needed regarding health care and insurance in America, since I, like millions of other people, am educated, have worked tirelessly my entire life, and still need to crowdsource for health care.  It pains me to be in this situation.  I am also extremely proactive in my treatment, as I regularly visit my doctors for PSA checks, medical scans, blood tests, and a host of other procedures to make sure cancer has not returned or metastasized.  I do these procedures 2-4 times per year, and insurance covers only so much.  The money will allow me to continue to recover from the after-effects of my treatment and free me from the debilitating stress that comes from financial uncertainty and surmounting health challenges. I would like to receive the funds whenever it is convenient, so that the added stress these overwhelming financial issues bring, will not instigate a reoccurrence of cancer and/or abnormal cell growth. Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated.

 I am also maintaining a positive attitude and utilizing several alternative sources to reduce my pain and fight inflammation. I follow a low sugar, low carb, mostly plant-based diet with sardines, salmon, mackerel, and turkey. I have been gluten, dairy, and alcohol-free for several years and truly believe my body is my temple. Aggressive prostate cancer if not caught early, can be deadly. I have been working with my doctors and pray that I am winning this battle! I would appreciate everyone’s prayers and love. When it comes to recovering from sickness and the effects it has on one’s mind and body, the power of prayer and love cannot be overstated.

Lastly, many people do not get regular check-ups, especially men. Please get your annual check-ups! Outcomes are better when cancer is caught early. Please check out The City of Hope’s link for information on prostate cancer.

Update as of 5/26/2021:

Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support around a prostate cancer diagnosis and my follow up scans, etc.
I received my PSMA results (on 5/26) and they unfortunately showed a 9 mm (3/8 inch) growth on my left 2nd rib.
Now there are a couple ways I could have looked at this:

1.) Omg it's in my bones, or
2.) It's only on my 2nd rib...

I chose the latter.

Insurance issues aside (my out of pocket costs continue to be crazy - including $3300 for my PSMA and $4200 for radiation therapy), I decided to undergo stereotactic radiation.  18 months ago, I survived 32 proton beam sessions so I knew that I would handle this well, alongside a short stint of hormone deprivation therapy in the form of casodex.

Update as of 6/24/2021:

5 intense days of stereotactic radiation completed! This cocktail of radiation, casodex (chemo drug), herbs, tinctures and a variety of cancer fighting agents, will (undoubtedly) eradicate whatever metastasis decided to infiltrate my temple. Trust me, there's no place it can hide!

Cancer doesn't define me. I know that I will be here for my son's highschool, and college graduation, as well as for the day he gets married and the birth of his children.

I survived growing up in the Bronx, a nasty gastrointestinal disease, and SO much more. This DEFINITELY isn't going to stop me.
God has my back.

Please continue to share my story with others and I appreciate your help so very much.

Michael Motta