Support MPLS_CUSTOMS Battle Against Cancer

Dear friends. I’ve decided to set up this GoFundMe for one of my dear friends and Minneapolis native, Salvatore Marcum. Many of you know him by his business name, MPLS Customs, but I prefer to call him “Fat Sal”, although he’s still just a skinny puppy.

I met Sal way back in 2011. I first met Sal through my close friend and his older brother Rick. While dealing with issues of his own, I remember the day Rick came to me. He said: “Moh, I just need to ask you for one favor. Please look out for my lil bro Sal while I’m away. He’s a good kid, super talented, and could use your wisdom and guidance.” Of course I said I would.

From there I helped Sal “get on” in the Minnesota sneaker community. MPLS Customs was born by partnering him with my boutique Studiiyo23 to provide custom sneaker art services to our community and eventually to some of your favorite Vikings, Twins, Lynx, Timberwolves, and Wild players. He has also created customs for NFL players (Raiders, Ravens, Cowboys, Bills, 49ers, etc), the NFL itself, college universities and their basketball programs, and some of your favorite musicians. Together we’ve been through countless challenges and the ups and downs of life these past 13 years.

Now, Sal is currently navigating through one of the biggest battles of his young life: testicular cancer, stage 3.

Sal has finished just shy of 100 hours of chemotherapy and we all hoped that his subsequent CT Scan would follow with the two words we all wanted to hear: “Cancer Free!” Unfortunately that was not the case.

The cancer has spread to the lower left side of Sal’s neck, creating a large mass. The doctors also found two more masses, one in the lower right abdomen and one next to his right lung. The hospital in Nevada is now sending Sal to California to get surgery in an attempt to remove all 4 masses since Nevada doesn’t have the specialist required to perform the surgeries. 

Sal is just 32 years old and has a beautiful 4 year old son that means the world to him and his family. This year alone, God called both Sal’s father and mother home, may they both rest in Peace. Due to the cancer and treatments, he hasn’t been able to work much the past 12 months, adding extra pressure to his life that I’m hoping we can all assist him with. The money from this GoFundMe would help Sal with traveling to and from California for my surgeries (Flights, hotels, etc), as well as rent, bills, and living expenses while he recovers from the surgeries.

I know times are tough for everyone right now. Any contribution is so very appreciated, no matter the amount. Whether or not you choose to donate, please consider sharing this post and keeping my friend in your prayers. And please…always remember to live your life to the fullest. Move and act with love and compassion in all that you do. Uplift your peoples and forgive easily. Live with purpose and pursue every single one of your dreams. Life is too short not to.

Thank you all so much for your consideration. I really appreciate it.

With love,

-Moh