Mike Farrell's Medical Expense & Other Fund

Dear Family and Friends –

Thank you for the outpouring of love and support as we recently learned of Mike’s health. We also acknowledge this has come on so fast that many of you may not know. To ensure those who want to be informed are updated, we are starting this CareBridge.

Just one month ago, we were celebrating Mike’s impactful 42+ year career at SpartanNash. Despite having some unexplained stomach discomfort, Mike and Amy took off for the beginning of their World Tour - heading to Florida to spend time with Nikky and Bill at The Villages, then to Arizona (to see Nic & Alex), LA (Maddi & Jack), San Francisco (Claire & Maya), before a pit stop in Michigan (to see Charlie, Drew, and Chris) and then to Boston (Danielle & Matt + kids) and flying to Amsterdam (Liz & Olaf + kids).

On the first day of their arrival to Florida Mike’s condition worsened as he started vomiting blood. Mike was admitted to the ICU in Florida and started to undergo testing. Fluid had to be drained from his abdomen and he received several blood transfusions. He was diagnosed with esophageal varices and cirrhosis of the liver. At the time, Mike and his family thought they were headed for a liver transplant similar to his brother Pat in 2017. They made plans to fly back to Michigan the following week after he was stable and have an opportunity to soak up some sun. However, after continued fluid buildup and more pain, Mike went in for a second hospital stay. After an MRI, we learned that Mike has advanced liver cancer.

This has been a shock to everyone, and we are devastated, in particular by the timing. His kids are flying home at various times over the next two weeks, and he is looking forward to spending time with loved ones.

Several of you have already reached out and offered support, meals, and other ways to contribute. We know in times of sadness we look for ways to ease the pain. We are incredibly grateful for your prayers (and we know they have lots of prayer warriors in their life!) and messages. If you’d like, we have created this GoFundMe to help with medical expenses, helping Amy with needs that arise, etc. If you would like updates, please follow along on the CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/a4e11d5e-ece6-11ef-a7ba-7d248c502f6b?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page.

We will keep this page updated as appropriate as we navigate next steps. Thank you and much love!