Hi, I’m Mike’s sister and I never imagined I’d have to write this.
In October 2024, Mike called me with devastating news…stage-4 thyroid cancer. After Mike had a few more scans, the doctors discovered that he has a rare thyroid cancer called Cribriform-Morular Thyroid Carcinoma, and it’s spread throughout his body, and it’s in his lungs and bones. Sadly, it’s now terminal cancer.
He’s had a total thyroidectomy, completed one round of radioactive iodine treatment, genetic testing, started lifelong medication, and signed up to be part of a global research study. Doctors from Ireland, Alaska, and now the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota are working on his case.
Mike is a lifelong Alaskan who has been living in Ireland with his wife Maggie for 10 years. He recently moved back to Alaska to be closer to his family and friends. For those who know Mike, he’s good at putting a smile on your face. Whether you’re meeting him for the first time or have been friends with him for a lifetime, he’s gonna make you laugh or compliment you in some way. He’s kind, caring, loving, and deeply genuine. Everyone loves Big Mike. Even with all of this heavy news, he lives each day to the fullest and with a smile. He says, “staying positive will keep me alive,” and I strongly believe that too.
That’s why I’m asking for your support.
First milestone goal: $40,000. Midway milestone goal: $100,000. The finish line goal: $150,000.
YES, that number may seem big, but it reflects the actual cost of surviving as long as possible with terminal cancer. This is not for luxury. It’s for stability and survival. And a chance to find answers through testing therapies that might help someone in the future.
Here’s where your donation will go (these are estimates):
1. Medical Treatment - $60,000
This includes past and future hospitalizations, anesthesia, pathology, and therapies. These procedures are not optional. This is what it takes to stay alive: constant hospital visits in Alaska and Minnesota.
2. Specialist Care - $30,000
This covers endocrinology visits in Alaska and the Mayo Clinic, ENT specialists, lung monitoring, and regular labs to track tumor markers and hormone levels. This is Mike’s reality, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to spend as much time on earth with his family and friends.
3. Lifelong Medications - $40,000
Mike no longer has a thyroid and has to take daily hormone replacements for life, plus medications to manage his calcium levels, inflammation, back pain, and energy. Currently, he does not have insurance and has to pay for everything out of pocket.
4. Emergency & Unplanned Medical Costs - $20,000
Cancer is unpredictable, and contingency funds help cover ER visits, infections, unexpected scans, second opinions, or sudden changes in treatment plans. It’s not extra; it’s protection from a financial crisis if something shifts.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Your gift, no matter the size, helps my brother get closer to stability. Mike has survived cancer before (when he was 10), and now he's trying to do that again. If you are in a position to help, I humbly ask for your support today, next month, and as often as you can. If Mike has poured into your journey in some way, now is the time to send some love back.
From the bottom of my heart, and with deep gratitude, thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and most of all, thank you for your positive energy.
Much love,
Laura