Hello Everyone -

Our good friend and fellow Crossmen Alumni Mike “Mongo” Lucas is currently in need of urgent financial assistance. Throughout the years, Mike has been an incredibly giving and selfless human being to all who know him. He is our gentle giant. In the recent past, Mike would always put his Crossmen family first and works hard to support them and anyone else in need. Despite his cheerful and optimistic personality, ongoing physical hardships combined with recent setbacks have put a serious financial strain on Mike.

Mike has been diagnosed with serious ventricular cardiac issues as well as diabetes. Additionally, he is the caretaker for his mother in their home in Garrettsville NY who is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. This is challenging for someone who is in excellent health, but Mike also has the challenges of his own health, which requires having to travel 4x a week for dialysis (6-hour therapy) with a 1.5 hour drive per trip each way. Mike has breathing and walking issues which make this trip to therapy a daily strain on his huge heart.

Mike is always ready for a bright happy conversation and loves to talk to his friends from near and far. Most recently a group of our Crossmen family went to visit with Mike and spend the night at “The Cabin” it was a great trip for all of us, as we were able to show the big man some love, the same love Mike and his big heart has always shared with each of us that know him, and to every member of the Crossmen to this day.

However - at this meet up we realized that Mongo puts up a strong front with a smile on it. Our friend is a tough man but his physical issues and living constrains are putting a strain on his big heart. During our visit Mike stayed up with up with us, laughing and talking about the old days and hanging out, even when it became a laborious chore for him to stay up with everyone. It was at this point we realized that the big man needs some help.

During this visit, we became acutely aware of Mike’s current quality of life situation. He is unable to move like he used to and his home and environment are in need of external care. Mike needs personal attention and help with his own mobility. He battles his afflictions daily with a smile and attitude that masks his pain.

Mike needs our help. He needs help at home. Specifically, cleaning, and cooking meals. He also needs a motorized chair to get him around to his dialysis appointments and help with his mom at home.

Mike has always been readily available to help any one of us when he was able. Mike has not asked us for help. He is a proud man, but it is clear that he is in dire need of basic needs - a clean home, and some type of assistance with meals. Due to Mike's tentative situation and immediate need, we are looking to raise these funds by March of 2022.

Please consider sending donation to the “Mongo Fund” we have an opportunity to help one of our friend while as he is here with us, to improve his quality of life as he battles his current critical health issues and cares for his ailing mother. We appreciate anything you can do.

Like our fearless enforcer Mike ‘Mongo’ Lucas would have any one of our backs, let’s get together and have his back. Thank you all so much for your consideration.