Help Michelle Beat Cancer with Grace & Grit

Hi, my name is Jennifer, and I’m reaching out on behalf of an incredible woman - Michelle - who is fighting a battle no one ever expects to face: cancer.

Michelle Silman (formerly Michelle Spitzmiller) is from Advance, Missouri. She is a devoted wife to Garion Silman and a loving mother to her two boys, Austin Ladd and Colton “Pete” Silman. They are her world, and she is the heart of their family.

If you know Michelle, you already know her as the kind of person who puts others before herself. Her deep compassion and unwavering selflessness have touched so many lives - always showing up, always caring, always giving even when she’s the one in need. Whether it’s taking care of family, friends, or neighbors, Michelle’s life is a shining example of Christ-like love and humility.

In June 2023, Michelle received devastating news: a tennis ball-sized tumor was found in her chest. She was diagnosed with Thymoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. In July 2023, she bravely underwent surgery to have the tumor removed, and doctors were optimistic after achieving good margins – a moment of hope and answered prayers. But Michelle’s journey wasn’t over. Since then, Michelle has continued her cancer surveillance, traveling to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis every six months for follow-up scans, staying strong and hopeful.

On April 15, 2025, her faith was tested again when scans revealed a recurrence — a Stage 3 thymoma tumor, now the size of a grape. Despite the devastating news, Michelle remains steadfast in her faith. She is a fierce believer in God’s purpose. Her spirit is radiant, her heart is generous, and even in the face of this rare and aggressive cancer, she’s holding tight to her faith and walking boldly in God’s promises.

On May 20, 2025, Michelle began the next phase of her fight at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. Her treatment plan is intense: radiation five days a week and chemotherapy once a week, for 6 to 8 weeks. Because of the rigorous schedule, Michelle and Garion must stay in St. Louis Monday through Friday, separated from her family and especially her boys, who are her heart and soul. Being away from them is the hardest part—harder than the chemo, the radiation, or the uncertainty.

But through it all, Michelle leans on her unshakable faith in God. Her faith is her anchor. She trusts in His plan, even when the path is painful or unclear. Her strength comes not just from within, but from above—and she walks this journey with grace, hope, and prayer. Her faith reminds her, and all of us, that she is never alone in this fight.

Michelle’s journey has been filled with uncertainty – having already undergone countless doctors’ visits, scans, surgery and still yet has a long road of treatment ahead. It’s been emotionally & financially exhausting. We're rallying behind Michelle to support her journey through this difficult season. Every donation goes directly toward lifesaving treatments, travel expenses, lodging in St Louis and the care of her family back home.

She has spent her life loving and serving others so let’s lift her up and surround her with the same compassion she’s always shown us. Whether you give $5 or $500, your generosity fuels her faith and lightens her load. Your donation is more than just financial help; it’s a reminder that she’s not walking this path alone.

But Michelle’s mission is more than just survival. She is determined to beat this with grace, grit and God at her side. Help us to support Michelle’s Mission. Please donate, share and most importantly, keep Michelle in your prayers.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Friends and Family of Michelle Silman

#MichellesMission: Fighting Rare. Living Fierce. Trusting God.