❤️ Help Michael Pearsall Fight Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

My dad has spent his life showing up for others. Now, I’m asking you to help us show up for him.

I’m raising funds for my dad, Michael Pearsall, as he fights Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow. If you know my dad, you know he is the kind of person who is always there for everyone else. He has spent so much of his life helping others, giving back to his community, and being there for the people he loves. Today, our family is asking for help as he faces one of the hardest battles of his life.

❤️ Understanding Dad’s Diagnosis

AML is an aggressive cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. It causes abnormal cells to grow rapidly, crowding out the healthy blood cells the body needs to fight infections, carry oxygen, control bleeding. Treatment can involve intensive chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and, for some patients, a bone marrow transplant.

AML is considered a relatively rare cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 22,720 people in the United States will be diagnosed with AML in 2026. It accounts for about 1% of all cancers diagnosed nationwide.

My dad’s diagnosis also involves a finding related to the KMT2A gene mutation.

Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a life that has been forever changed. For us, that person is our dad.

❤️Dad’s Fight and the Road Ahead

In the middle of September, my dad made several trips to the emergency room and attended multiple doctor appointments before discovering his AML diagnosis. At the end of September, he was transported from New Hanover Hospital to Duke Hospital, where he has been the past month.

During his time at Duke, he received intensive chemotherapy, and required numerous blood transfusions, and other medical care. After everything he has endured, he is coming home today October 28, 2026.

Throughout his entire hospital stay, my mom, Gloria, his devoted wife, stood by his side, supporting him every step of the way. She is truly a gem. The love and dedication she has shown Dad throughout this journey mean more than words can express.

Although Dad is expected to come home, his fight is far from over. He still has numerous doctor appointments, testing, medications, and ongoing treatments ahead of him. He also needs to find a suitable bone marrow donor so he can hopefully move forward with a transplant at Duke hospital. Finding the best possible match is important because it can help reduce the risk of complications.

His journey will require continued medical care, strength, faith, and support. There is still so much ahead of him, and our family is doing everything we can to help him through it.

A Little About My Dad

My dad, Michael Pearsall, is a loving husband to my mom, Gloria; a devoted father to Recco and me; and the father of my late brother, Keith, who passed away on December 14, 2024. He is also a proud grandfather who loves cooking, playing golf, spending time with family, and making memories with the people he loves.

Before becoming sick, Dad was pursuing his pilot’s license. He has always been passionate about life, his family, and his community. He serves as one of the Town Commissioners of Burgaw and has spent so much of his life giving back to others.

My dad is the kind of person who helps people without turning them away. He has shown up for others time and time again, and it is heartbreaking for our family to watch him face this battle.

But through it all, Dad has been a trooper. He has continued to keep his spirits high and face each day with courage, determination, and faith.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13

Dad, you show us what that verse means each and every day, no matter the circumstances. Your strength inspires us, and we continue to pray for healing, better days, and more precious memories together.

Why We Need Your Help

The medical bills have already grown to an astronomical amount, and more expenses continue to come in. Along with his medical bills, there are medications, appointments, transportation, and other costs associated with his ongoing treatment and the possibility of a bone marrow transplant.

We are asking for help to ease some of this financial burden so our family can focus on what matters most: Dad’s health, his recovery, and supporting him through this fight.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every dollar, no matter the size, will make a difference and mean so much to our family.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community. Your shares help us reach more people, and your prayers and words of encouragement mean more than you know.

My dad has spent his life helping others. Now, we need your help to help him.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for every donation, every share, every prayer, and every act of kindness. Our family is incredibly grateful for the love and support during this difficult time.

❤️ Please keep Michael, Gloria, and our entire family in your thoughts and prayers as Dad continues his fight against AML.