Michael Hartley vs. Cancer
Donation protected
Mike Hartley and his family really need our help. What started out as a bulging disc and arthritis in the back has turned into a life-altering crisis. Mike is only 52 years old. He is a husband to Maria, a father to Megan and Maureen, and the best grandpa in the world to Aiden (8) and Liathana (7). One day my father in-law is walking around with mild back pain; then less than a week later he can't get out of bed and has debilitating pain in both legs. Here's what happened.
While everyone was preparing for a Labor Day cookout on September 4, 2017, Mike needed to be transported by ambulance to General Hospital. Six hours of MRIs and scans revealed cancer on his kidney and spine. The primary source was diagnosed as Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma (the tumor on his kidney), which metastasized to his lumbar spine crushing his L2 vertebrae. Needing emergency back surgery, the doctors decided he needed to be life-flighted to Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia to remove the tumor on his spine. The surgery was a success, and Mike returned home to John Heinz Rehabilitation a week later to re-learn how to walk. But after suffering through a lot of pain and yielding little results, a new MRI revealed a more aggressive clear cell tumor wrapping itself around Mike's lower spine.
So, now Mike is back in Philadelphia receiving radiation therapy to hopefully shrink the tumor and relieve pressure on his spine. Once that happens, he can work on walking again. Down the road we expect either chemotherapy and/or surgery to remove his kidney.
Mike's wife, Maria, is doing all she can to make ends meet. She has exhausted all sick and vacation time to be with her husband in Philadelphia; contacting the American Cancer Society, doctors, both of their workplaces, Social Security; you name it.
With no reprieve in sight, we can all help Mike fight for his life by sharing this post with others and donating any amount, little or large, to help pay for travel, treatment, and medical costs incurred on a daily basis. It is with heavy hearts and absolute humility that our family asks for your support, your prayers, and most importantly your Love.
While everyone was preparing for a Labor Day cookout on September 4, 2017, Mike needed to be transported by ambulance to General Hospital. Six hours of MRIs and scans revealed cancer on his kidney and spine. The primary source was diagnosed as Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma (the tumor on his kidney), which metastasized to his lumbar spine crushing his L2 vertebrae. Needing emergency back surgery, the doctors decided he needed to be life-flighted to Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia to remove the tumor on his spine. The surgery was a success, and Mike returned home to John Heinz Rehabilitation a week later to re-learn how to walk. But after suffering through a lot of pain and yielding little results, a new MRI revealed a more aggressive clear cell tumor wrapping itself around Mike's lower spine.
So, now Mike is back in Philadelphia receiving radiation therapy to hopefully shrink the tumor and relieve pressure on his spine. Once that happens, he can work on walking again. Down the road we expect either chemotherapy and/or surgery to remove his kidney.
Mike's wife, Maria, is doing all she can to make ends meet. She has exhausted all sick and vacation time to be with her husband in Philadelphia; contacting the American Cancer Society, doctors, both of their workplaces, Social Security; you name it.
With no reprieve in sight, we can all help Mike fight for his life by sharing this post with others and donating any amount, little or large, to help pay for travel, treatment, and medical costs incurred on a daily basis. It is with heavy hearts and absolute humility that our family asks for your support, your prayers, and most importantly your Love.
Organizer and beneficiary
Matt Knapich
Organizer
Plains, PA
Maria Hartley
Beneficiary
