Help Mike Eat the Bear

For decades, Mike Ciotti has dedicated his life to serving others—as a coach, mentor, husband, father, and friend. If you’ve had the privilege of knowing Mike, you know that’s simply who he is. Today, it’s our turn to give back to someone who has given so much to so many.

For the past three years, Mike has been courageously battling Stage 4 cancer. Alongside conventional treatment, he has been receiving integrative oncology therapies that have helped support his strength, preserve his quality of life, and help him continue his fight. As his cancer has become more aggressive, including the recent discovery of a 4 cm brain tumor, these treatments have become even more important.

Unfortunately, these therapies are not covered by insurance. Each week of treatment averages about $5,000, creating an overwhelming financial burden for Mike and Licia. While these treatments cannot promise a cure, they have helped Mike enjoy more good days and continue making meaningful memories with the people he loves. Because Mike’s treatment needs are ongoing, this fundraiser represents an initial goal to help him continue receiving the care that has made such a meaningful difference.

Anyone who knows Mike has probably heard him say, “Eat the Bear.” It’s a lesson his father taught him years ago: if you’re ever trapped in a room with a bear, you have two choices—you let the bear eat you, or you eat the bear. In the Ciotti family, there has never been another option.

Mike has lived by those words throughout his life. He has inspired countless athletes to face adversity with courage, raised his children to do the same, and now he is facing the biggest bear of his life with the same strength, determination, and unwavering hope that have always defined him.

After speaking with Mike and Licia, and with their blessing, I created this fundraiser because so many people have asked how they could help. This is our opportunity to stand beside Mike, Licia, and their family during this incredibly difficult journey.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward Mike’s integrative oncology treatments. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would be an incredible gift and would help us reach even more people.

Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, your encouragement, and your generosity. Every act of support reminds Mike, Licia, and their family that they are not facing this battle alone.

Together, we’ll help Mike Eat the Bear.

For more information on Mike’s treatment go to www.lilewellness.com

For a great article on Mike go to https://www.ctinsider.com/gametimect/football/article/mike-ciotti-cheshire-football-daniel-hand-cancer-21238103.php