On Monday November 22nd, 29-year-old Michael Sanford experienced an alarming and unanticipated seizure after driving home from nursing school. Michael and his girlfriend, Angela, visited a local hospital where Michael was medically screened and relayed news of his diagnosis: a malignant brain tumor. Michael had brain surgery on 12/07/21. Expenses are costly for the procedure and corresponding medical treatment. The Student Nurses Association (SNA) at D’Youville created this GoFundMe page to raise $5,000 or more to help alleviate Michael and his loved ones with their financial burden. The Student Nurses Association encourages each donor to contribute $19.08 as a reflection of the founding year and mission of D’Youville; however, any donation would be greatly appreciated. All proceeds received will go directly to Michael’s medical and living costs as well as other necessary financial expenses for Michael.

 

A Message from Michael: “Hi, my name is Michael Sanford and before my most recent medical diagnosis I was a full-time nursing student at D’Youville College. Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine since the experience I had with my father during his extended stay at a local hospital. The nurses made an impact on him and on me. I wanted to be that for someone one day and I still plan to although my road has taken a twist, which has happened to all of us one way or another in life. On November 22nd, the Monday before Thanksgiving, I drove to D’Youville to take a clinical skills test for my nursing program. I am happy to report that I passed and left happy, but when I pulled in my driveway, I experienced a seizure. My girlfriend Angela took me to the hospital where I underwent many tests and was given the very shocking news that at the age of 29, I have a brain tumor. We also learned that this tumor is indeed malignant or cancerous. My next steps may be the most difficult as I will undergo brain surgery and then radiation. The recovery will be hard, but I am determined to get through it with the love and support of my girlfriend Angela, my family, especially my mom, my friends, my small cohort of nursing students led by Professor Mancini, and everyone else in the Nursing Department at D’youville. I will be back and even more motivated to help people when I become a nurse myself.”

 

Fundraising Goal: $5,000 or more!

 

Thank you! On behalf of Michael and Angela, their closest friends, family, and loved ones, thank you so much for your impactful generosity and support! Your love, kindness, compassion means the world to both the Sanford and D’Youville nursing family during this challenging time in Michael’s life.