My name is Taylor. And I'm creating this go fund me for my grandpa, Mike Hawkins. Also known as "Hawk" or "Big Mike"

On May 8th, my grandpa complained of being short of breath. He has never been sick. Maybe a small cold. Other than that, he takes no medications, he was a long time athlete, coach and teacher. When we took him to the hospital they told us his left lung was 95% full of fluid (pleural effusion) and his right lung was 15% full.

We found out a week later he was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage 3. Since May. He has been back in the hospital 5 seperate times. His lungs have filled with fluid another 4 times. His left lung has collapsed. He was brought in for sepsis (3 times) , pneumonia, MRSA, dehydration, UTI, thrush, e coli, a chest tube (4 times) and of course, his cancer. We recently found out he is just being diagnosed with a second cancer. Renal cell carcinoma. 

My grandpa, as inconvenient as this is, doesn't have a primary doctor. Barely and/or didn't have insurance. He thought he never got sick, so he didn't need it. Until May, when our whole lives turned upside down. That means many or almost all, of the hospital stays, medications, chemotherapy and ambulance rides were not covered by insurance. We are in the process of getting early medicaid, as he just turned 64 on the 6th of May. But insurance companies don't seem to care about the urgency of chemotherapy or in home health care. 

As of right now, my grandpa is bed bound and currently on his way home from a long hospital stay (since 10/9/25). I have been his primary caregiver since May. Because his insurance does not cover it. And my grandparents can not afford to pay me. That means, we are stuck with all the medical bills while we make sure he has nothing to worry about except for getting better.

My grandfather is the most selfless person I know. He was the father figure and the man who showed me I'm worthy of love. He has shaped me into the person I am. He's my Papa. My best friend. A husband, a brother, a son, and friend.

Any and all donations will go directly towards helping with chemotherapy, medical bills, medication, in home health and help my grandmother have a sense of ease.

Thank you ❤️