Support Michael McGinn & his family
Donation protected
“Dad, you look yellow. Even your eyes are yellow!” Michael had been feeling that something wasn’t quite right, but it was this observation from his younger son, Riley, that ultimately caused Michael to seek medical attention.
In September 2019 Michael was diagnosed with Stage II pancreatic cancer. Extensive surgery, 6 months of chemo and 5 weeks of radiation were not enough to beat this very aggressive form of cancer. The cancer spread to his lungs and liver. Determined to fight back, Michael returned to regular chemo treatments for the next seven months with many challenges and complications along the way. The toll on his body has been high and the cancer has continued its attack on his bones and his brain.
Last Thursday (4/15/21) Michael was taken to the ER because he was having difficulty breathing and was unable to talk or sit up. He was admitted to the ICU due to a bunch of problems including extremely low blood pressure, pneumonia and partially collapsed lung on right side, a blood clot in the left lung, and what appeared to be a stroke in his brain. On further examination they determined that it was not a stroke, but that the cancer has spread to multiple parts of his brain. On Sunday he spoke with his oncologist who told him they were out of options for him. He is now receiving palliative care at home in his wife Deborah’s care.
Michael: Dad, Husband, Son, Brother, Friend
Michael is a thoughtful, kind-hearted guy, ready to share a laugh and his warm smile. He is an extraordinary listener, always seeking the good in others. He’s realistic infused with positivity and optimism. Originally from Long Island, Michael graduated from Dartmouth College (‘87) and Tuck (‘92) at Dartmouth, where he met Deborah. They lived in Minneapolis after graduating, and then settled in Seattle where they raised their family.
The cancer diagnosis came when Michael was only two weeks into a new job with Northwest Center in Seattle. After many years of working day and night on a small business, he was excited for a change where he could make a difference helping people with mental disabilities. He was also hopeful this new job would give him time to return to activities he enjoyed - coaching youth lacrosse, Cross-fit, olympic weightlifting, and spending time with Deborah and his two sons, McKinley and Riley.
Help Needed for Michael and his Family
For the last 7 months, Michael has been courageously sharing his story with friends and family in his Caring Bridge online journal (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/whatawonderfulworld ). His blog updates kept us all informed, at times entertained with his humor, and at times uncomfortable and fearful for all he has had to endure. We follow his journey of treatments, full of ups and downs, all the while keeping optimistic that Michael will beat this. In the spirit of “realistic and positive” it is ok to say his cancer now has the upper hand.
Michael wishes to take care of his family, whose lives came to an abrupt stop when he became seriously ill. Michael wishes for funds to help his son Riley complete his college education. Riley is currently attending RIT and has another 1 ½ - 2 years of course work to complete his degree. He has been instrumental in assisting with Michael’s care over the past year and a half, including taking a year off his education to be of help to the family.
Asking for and accepting help is something that Michael and Deborah have had to learn over the past year and a half. Even when family, friends, and unknown community members have generously, and without reservation, stepped up. They feel deeply about the burden this may cause those who love them but based on the outpouring from everyone whom they have touched, it is clearly not perceived as such.
Our Goal
Many friends, both near and far, have asked how they can help support Michael and his family. This GoFundMe page was created to allow everyone and anyone who wants to help the space to do so. We hope, with our collective generosity and desire to help, we can raise $100,000 for Michael’s family to help pay Riley’s remaining college bills as well as help his family bridge living and unpaid medical expenses in the event of Michael’s passing. Any amount will be appreciated and all proceeds will go directly to the McGinn family. If you feel comfortable, please share this on your social media platforms and networks.
Deborah would be the first to say that helping their family will not prevent others from experiencing the struggle, pain and financial fallout from this terrible disease. We hope those who see this GoFundMe will consider a contribution to Pancreatic Cancer Research through Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org
In September 2019 Michael was diagnosed with Stage II pancreatic cancer. Extensive surgery, 6 months of chemo and 5 weeks of radiation were not enough to beat this very aggressive form of cancer. The cancer spread to his lungs and liver. Determined to fight back, Michael returned to regular chemo treatments for the next seven months with many challenges and complications along the way. The toll on his body has been high and the cancer has continued its attack on his bones and his brain.
Last Thursday (4/15/21) Michael was taken to the ER because he was having difficulty breathing and was unable to talk or sit up. He was admitted to the ICU due to a bunch of problems including extremely low blood pressure, pneumonia and partially collapsed lung on right side, a blood clot in the left lung, and what appeared to be a stroke in his brain. On further examination they determined that it was not a stroke, but that the cancer has spread to multiple parts of his brain. On Sunday he spoke with his oncologist who told him they were out of options for him. He is now receiving palliative care at home in his wife Deborah’s care.
Michael: Dad, Husband, Son, Brother, Friend
Michael is a thoughtful, kind-hearted guy, ready to share a laugh and his warm smile. He is an extraordinary listener, always seeking the good in others. He’s realistic infused with positivity and optimism. Originally from Long Island, Michael graduated from Dartmouth College (‘87) and Tuck (‘92) at Dartmouth, where he met Deborah. They lived in Minneapolis after graduating, and then settled in Seattle where they raised their family.
The cancer diagnosis came when Michael was only two weeks into a new job with Northwest Center in Seattle. After many years of working day and night on a small business, he was excited for a change where he could make a difference helping people with mental disabilities. He was also hopeful this new job would give him time to return to activities he enjoyed - coaching youth lacrosse, Cross-fit, olympic weightlifting, and spending time with Deborah and his two sons, McKinley and Riley.
Help Needed for Michael and his Family
For the last 7 months, Michael has been courageously sharing his story with friends and family in his Caring Bridge online journal (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/whatawonderfulworld ). His blog updates kept us all informed, at times entertained with his humor, and at times uncomfortable and fearful for all he has had to endure. We follow his journey of treatments, full of ups and downs, all the while keeping optimistic that Michael will beat this. In the spirit of “realistic and positive” it is ok to say his cancer now has the upper hand.
Michael wishes to take care of his family, whose lives came to an abrupt stop when he became seriously ill. Michael wishes for funds to help his son Riley complete his college education. Riley is currently attending RIT and has another 1 ½ - 2 years of course work to complete his degree. He has been instrumental in assisting with Michael’s care over the past year and a half, including taking a year off his education to be of help to the family.
Asking for and accepting help is something that Michael and Deborah have had to learn over the past year and a half. Even when family, friends, and unknown community members have generously, and without reservation, stepped up. They feel deeply about the burden this may cause those who love them but based on the outpouring from everyone whom they have touched, it is clearly not perceived as such.
Our Goal
Many friends, both near and far, have asked how they can help support Michael and his family. This GoFundMe page was created to allow everyone and anyone who wants to help the space to do so. We hope, with our collective generosity and desire to help, we can raise $100,000 for Michael’s family to help pay Riley’s remaining college bills as well as help his family bridge living and unpaid medical expenses in the event of Michael’s passing. Any amount will be appreciated and all proceeds will go directly to the McGinn family. If you feel comfortable, please share this on your social media platforms and networks.
Deborah would be the first to say that helping their family will not prevent others from experiencing the struggle, pain and financial fallout from this terrible disease. We hope those who see this GoFundMe will consider a contribution to Pancreatic Cancer Research through Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org
Organizer and beneficiary
Grace Saturnia
Organizer
Honolulu, HI
Deborah Scott
Beneficiary