Support Mike Dragoman's Fight Against Aggressive Leukemia

Dear friends,

If you’re here, it’s likely because you’ve heard that my dad, Mike Dragoman, is very sick and has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. This came on very suddenly and things are progressing quickly. He’s currently at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. His spirits are good, but his body is struggling. We’re all still in quite a bit of shock that the man who could outdo us all in a pushup contest is now sick enough to be confined to the hospital with a future that remains uncertain.

This leads me to why we’re here. My dad has spent his entire life helping everyone around him, and he could now use a little help from all of us who love him so much. Just like most, Dad works very hard to sustain his humble life, typically working 7 days a week between his clinic and his shop. In his “free time,” you can find him building a bunkie for a friend in their backyard, helping me prototype my latest product for my small business (thank you, Dad xo), writing a song for a friend’s wedding, treating family and friends to chiropractic adjustments at all hours of the day, or writing and recording music for our band, Smith & Dragoman.

While my father has poured his heart and soul into serving others, he never anticipated needing assistance himself and would never ask for it on his own, but I will, because I need him here with us.

All of the uncountable hours he has dedicated to those around him have meant that he hasn’t built in any safeguards for when something unexpected arises, such as this. His only security lies in the endless love he has shown, and the sacrifices he has made, for his fellow humans, which, as his daughter who loves him more than words can say, I’m hoping will inspire those around him to contribute, in whatever way they are able, to the mounting costs of covering his basic living expenses while he’s unable to work, as well as paying for all of the unexpected costs arising as we attempt to get him the treatment he needs to have a fighting chance. We are having to make some really difficult decisions over the coming week about the best course of action to maximize his chances of beating this aggressive disease, but no matter which option we choose there will be costs that are much more than we can afford at this time and I don’t want the burden of that weighing on him or stopping him from saying yes to potentially life-saving treatments.

If you’re moved to contribute, I would be forever grateful.

I will keep everyone as updated as I can as he embarks on this battle with AML with the same determination, faith, and courage he shows in all areas of his life.

With so much love and gratitude,

Emily Dragoman and the rest of the Dragoman family

Xo