Support Mike Heffner's Battle with Brain Cancer

Dear Friends & Family,

Meet Mike Heffner. Some of you already know him as one of the founding crazy geniuses behind Reaper’s Revenge. Or maybe you’ve encountered him on one of a thousand building sites, running a concession stand, or at a model train event. On September 3, 2024, my fun-loving husband was given the devastating, unimaginable diagnosis of Glioblastoma – Grade 4 (aggressive – terminal brain cancer). A life-altering diagnosis to say the least for all of us. Even though his prognosis is not the best, he continues to face this battle with courage and his own brand of humor.

The onset symptoms of his disease resembled that of a stroke, but thankfully, due to the quick response and intuitive skills of the neurosurgeons at LVHN, most of the original tumor was removed. Since his surgery, he has undergone extensive radiation therapy coupled with chemotherapy, all of which require multiple CT scans and complex MRIs to ensure that the precise areas are targeted.

To complicate matters, we discovered that Mike didn’t have health insurance when this all started. The program that he was enrolled in was a ‘health sharing cooperative’ that didn’t cover any medical costs. From the beginning of September through October 31, 2024, the cost of his emergency surgery, extended ICU stays, radiation, chemotherapy, and countless MRIs & CT scans from the hospital alone totaled $664,000.00. Although the hospital has been trying to work with us to reduce these costs, the balance is still a staggering $330,000.00.

You can imagine that Mike was firmly against the idea of fundraising. But knowing that there is no way possible for us to cover this bill, let alone the ongoing cost of treatment and eventual hospice care, he agreed to let me launch this GoFundMe with the hopes of helping to cover some of the outstanding hospital balance.

Our goal is $150,000.00. All funds raised will go directly to pay off the hospital.

Mike is one of a kind. A loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, partner, and friend. He has always been there for us, lending a helping hand, fixing or building whatever was needed without ever asking for anything in return. The outpouring of love and support from our family and friends thus far has meant the world to us.

Thank you to all who have taken the time to read our story and provided support. No donation is too small. And, if you can’t donate, prayers are always welcome. Please share.

With Eternal Gratitude,

Gail & Mike Heffner