Donation protected
In October 2015 Michel Bourgault was diagnosed with life-threatening colon cancer. Mike is a stay-at-home dad to two boys, ages 4 and 6. This is his second fight with cancer (more below) and he is ready to beat it! In addition to being a dad-extraordinaire, Mike is the family cook, house-cleaner, handyman, occasional mechanic and a care-giver to his 90 year-old father-in-law. His illness puts an enormous stress on the family and their day-to-day living. Mike is uninsured and will be paying for his medical expenses out of pocket. His family is on a very limited budget already and there is little money for the medical care he so urgently needs. All donations will be used directly for medical expenses.
A bit more about Mike and his family. Mike and his partner Sheila endured two sad miscarriages before their son Noah was born in 2008. Mike had long dreamed of becoming a father and following the birth of Noah he put his career aside to become a stay-at-home dad. This is Mike’s second battle with colon cancer - and during his first cancer diagnosis in 2009 and subsequent treatment in 2010 he continued to care for Noah full time. If you have ever taken care of kids when you are sick you know how difficult this is to do - let alone when that sickness is cancer. Mike never complained about his discomfort though, always steadfast and uncompromising in giving Noah the best care. In 2011 Mike (in remission) and Sheila joyfully welcomed a second son, William. With a new baby to love, an adoring big brother and everyone in good health, life was good. Since then, Sheila has continued her work as a second grade teacher in an inner city school while Mike continues being a dedicated stay-at-home dad. He cherishes his time with his boys and wouldn’t trade it for a second! He is funny, generous, talented and loving. He is always helping others and ironically his long service as a blood donor is how his cancer was discovered (he was severely anemic and couldn't donate blood). Although Mike's cancer is aggressive, with good medical care his prognosis is positive. Mike is scheduled for surgery to remove his tumor (and possibly his entire colon) on November 9th at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in NH. The months to come with be difficult and stressful but it is our hope that Noah and William will have their father by their side for many years to come.
This page has been created by Mike’s sister Noelle, brother Guy and mom Mel. We are in the process of supporting Mike and Sheila by providing meal delivery, grocery delivery and house cleaning services so they can focus on the children and Mike’s medical care. His medical bills have already started to come in and his family needs help to fund his care as the debt they face is enormous. In addition, Sheila's teacher's union has imposed a forced action that will result in the loss of about $2,000 of her normal salary - on top of that, any time she takes off work will be unpaid. This couldn't come at a worse time for them.
On behalf of Mike and our family, we give you our heartfelt gratitude for any donation you can provide. Even a small donation will make a difference. Please pass this page along to your friends and family - we will rely on the kindness of friends, family and even strangers to help.
A bit more about Mike and his family. Mike and his partner Sheila endured two sad miscarriages before their son Noah was born in 2008. Mike had long dreamed of becoming a father and following the birth of Noah he put his career aside to become a stay-at-home dad. This is Mike’s second battle with colon cancer - and during his first cancer diagnosis in 2009 and subsequent treatment in 2010 he continued to care for Noah full time. If you have ever taken care of kids when you are sick you know how difficult this is to do - let alone when that sickness is cancer. Mike never complained about his discomfort though, always steadfast and uncompromising in giving Noah the best care. In 2011 Mike (in remission) and Sheila joyfully welcomed a second son, William. With a new baby to love, an adoring big brother and everyone in good health, life was good. Since then, Sheila has continued her work as a second grade teacher in an inner city school while Mike continues being a dedicated stay-at-home dad. He cherishes his time with his boys and wouldn’t trade it for a second! He is funny, generous, talented and loving. He is always helping others and ironically his long service as a blood donor is how his cancer was discovered (he was severely anemic and couldn't donate blood). Although Mike's cancer is aggressive, with good medical care his prognosis is positive. Mike is scheduled for surgery to remove his tumor (and possibly his entire colon) on November 9th at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in NH. The months to come with be difficult and stressful but it is our hope that Noah and William will have their father by their side for many years to come.
This page has been created by Mike’s sister Noelle, brother Guy and mom Mel. We are in the process of supporting Mike and Sheila by providing meal delivery, grocery delivery and house cleaning services so they can focus on the children and Mike’s medical care. His medical bills have already started to come in and his family needs help to fund his care as the debt they face is enormous. In addition, Sheila's teacher's union has imposed a forced action that will result in the loss of about $2,000 of her normal salary - on top of that, any time she takes off work will be unpaid. This couldn't come at a worse time for them.
On behalf of Mike and our family, we give you our heartfelt gratitude for any donation you can provide. Even a small donation will make a difference. Please pass this page along to your friends and family - we will rely on the kindness of friends, family and even strangers to help.
Organizer and beneficiary
Noelle Magluilo
Organizer
Boulder, CO
Mary Ellen Bourgault
Beneficiary