Support Michael Whelan's Road to Recovery

Hello Everyone. Well, I've finally listened to thousands of you who have lovingly encouraged me everyday to create a Go Fund Me Page for my financial problems that are keeping me from resting and getting the help that I so desperately need. So after months of stubborn hesitation, I have finally decided to practice what I preach and therefore, I'm now reaching out for help. Those words are so hard for me to say. It's a bitter sweet moment as I've had to come to the truthful realization that I can no longer take on my arduous journey alone. The past 2 years have found me falling deeper and deeper into an awful abyss. If you've followed me then you're probably aware that I have spent most of my life helping others, but, I haven't done a great job taking care of myself. Most of you know my name - Michael Whelan. Once upon a time I had a great life as a television executive, and then as a very talented sales executive but those days seem like ages ago. Life threatening mental health and physical problems, along with bad financial decision have put me so far behind the 8 ball of life. After years of support and suggestions I am finally reaching out with humility and a bit of embarrassment to ask all of you for your support. As you may know, I am currently facing a myriad of ongoing physical health issues, severe depression and a plethora of family health problems that require medical attention and ongoing rehabilitation and so many other issues that need immediate

treatments and attention to. Unfortunately, insurance and personal savings are no longer sufficient to cover ALL of the costs associated with my care. Thinking I could manage all of this on my own has not turned out to be one of my best decisions. In fact it's been the wrong decision. I should have listened to all of you years ago. Between taking care of myself, I'm also taking care of Rebecca, the love of my life who is dealing with her ongoing Parkinson's and mental health issues and my Mother In Law who is fading quickly from her debilitating depression and early stage dementia -- it's all finally caught up with me. I can't do it by myself any longer. At my age I don't have many choices. I've learned quickly that there's a scarlet letter most of us senior citizens wear when we are trying to find gainful employment at our age. Without the funds that would allow me to rest for the next year or so, alleviating all the stress that I'm currently under, I find myself slowly falling apart into bits and pieces. I'm just not sure how much longer I can go on doing it "my way!" Im convinced that so much is stress related. It really began in March of 2020. I was a victim of Covid and all of the collateral damage it's caused me. Like so many others I lost my job and the ability to financially take care of my family. As I knock on the door of 70 years of age I find myself so lost as I continue to try and work. I currently took a job close to home in the hospitality industry so that I could be close to home and be available in a moments notice for Rebecca. I am failing miserably at my job. It requires sales on the phone. It's a young person's job and I'm far from that. Not only can't I work the hours expected, but, my voice can no longer remain healthy enough to have a chance at success. Walking into my place of employment everyday is doing nothing but exacerbating my depression. I leave the office everday with horrible, depressive thoughts about myself. At times I return home almost helpless to help Rebecca. And then out of the blue, I was diagnosed in 2022 with squamous cell malignant carcinoma in my head and neck. For over 2 years I wake up everyday horrified what my next test will reveal. To add to the cancer, I also have bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia. A rare respiratory disease which makes it difficult to breathe. I also suffer severely with Bipolar Disorder, depression, anxiety and panic attacks that paralyzes me.

This diagnosis has been a life-altering experience, and I am navigating a complex journey of medical appointments, treatments, and emotional ups and downs. Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful and committed to regaining my health so I can take care of others. The financial burden of medical and living expenses, not just for me, but for others has been overwhelming. I'm the only one who works and my paychecks are almost non existent. In addition to those medical bills, there are so many other costs such as transportation to appointments not just for me but for Rebecca as well, prescription medications, and all of the necessary lifestyle adjustments that happens when life's rug is pulled out from underneath you. At times I am unable to work, which further strains our family’s resources. When you're spending to much time at work crying it's not difficult to understand that one needs to rest - a lot. I also want to raise enough money just in case I don't make it. That's always a possibility. I need to raise enough not just for funeral expenses but to help Rebecca and all of our rescue animals to pack up out of Orlando and get her back to California so she can be with our family. Right now with her Parkinson's, her mental health issues and her agoraphobia, it's almost impossible for her to go outside of the house on her own. If something horrible were to happen it'll take so much work and effort to transport her back with our family.

Your support can make a significant impact. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help alleviate the financial and emotional stress and allow me to focus on my recovery. It's going to take a good bit of time to recharge my battery. Two years seems long unless you're ill. Donations will be used to cover medical and dental bills, essential medications, and one's everyday related living expenses while I take a breather. Your generosity will directly impact my well-being and provide much-needed relief. I have not taken one day off since I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer two years ago and I've paid a big price. With each passing day so many other issues are rearing their ugly head as collateral damage. I can no longer feel my face. Use my shoulders and muscles like I once could. My esophagus is so ruined that I can no longer eat, drink or breathe properly. An upcoming endoscopy is days away to see what's happening and can they help me to regain some of my health back. All of this requires time off. Money I can't recuperate. For decades I've been a mental health, cancer and animal advocate now I need your help! You can contribute securely through my GoFundMe campaign: My Twitter account @mikejwhelan seems to make the most sense for any contributions that my 20,000+ family and friends can help me. If you prefer to donate offline, please reach out to me directly by DM and I'd be more than happy to provide my address to send a check and I'd be privileged to provide details on how to make that happen. Even if you are unable to donate personally, sharing my fundraiser with your network of family and friends by reposting can make an incredible difference. Please consider forwarding this message or sharing the GoFundMe link on all of your social media links. And ifc you're unable or, don't want to help, that's okay. I am deeply grateful for your compassion and support during this challenging time. Your kindness means more to me than words can express.