This October, a group of us are running the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon in memory of our friend, Mike Bugeaud.

Mike grew up in Saline, Michigan, and studied Material Science Engineering at Michigan State University. After college, he moved to Colorado, where he worked as a Research Engineer at the U.S. Air Force Academy. About ten years later, he moved back to Michigan and joined General Motors.

Outside of work, Mike was always in motion: snowboarding, rock climbing, biking, or camping with his dog, Vader, who rarely left his side. But more than anything, he loved his family and friends. He was a devoted son to his parents, Dave and Cherie, a proud brother to his sister, Allison, and brother-in-law, Rory, and the best uncle to his niece, Lily, and nephews, James and Henry. The title of “Uncle Mike” was adopted by many of Mike’s friends’ kids as well - it wasn’t uncommon for Mike to be invited over to help tire an overactive kid (or three, or more) out.

Several years ago, Mike learned he carried a CDH1 gene mutation, which puts people at very high risk for stomach cancer. Because stomach cancer is often caught late, preventive surgery is sometimes the only way to reduce risk. In July 2023, Mike underwent a total gastrectomy (removal of his stomach). Despite his immense courage to have the surgery, he passed away on September 3, 2024, at just 39 years old.

Mike’s family has been connected with No Stomach for Cancer for years, an organization that funds research, supports families, and raises awareness. A few quick facts about the CDH1 mutation:

• About 1 in 200,000 people carry it.

• Men face up to a 70% lifetime risk of stomach cancer; women up to 83%, plus an increased risk of breast cancer.

• Preventive surgery is often the only real option to beat the odds.

Mike had registered to run the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon in 2022 but never completed it, now we’re running it together in his memory. If you’d like to support our run, please consider donating to No Stomach for Cancer. Your contribution will help fund research and raise awareness for families like Mike’s.