Support the Cook Family while Mike Fights Burkitt’s Lymphoma

After struggling with various health problems over the previous two months, Mike Cook was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma and Tumor Lysis Syndrome on April 4, 2024. While most of his symptoms were initially dismissed as stress after his infant son had to be hospitalized for RSV, a PET scan finally revealed dozens of tumors throughout his body, in most of his organs, and on his spine in several places. The cancer has also spread to his cerebrospinal fluid and more than 50% of his bone marrow. After his PET scan Mike was immediately admitted to the hospital, and started aggressive chemotherapy six days later. Despite the extensive spread of the tumors and the speed at which the cancer is progressing, Mike’s doctors are optimistic that intensive chemotherapy will help him find his way back to health but he has a very difficult path ahead of him.

Mike is a wonderful father to his two boys: Sam, almost four years old, and Ben, five months old. He is a loving and supportive husband to Rachel Bollwinkel Cook, his wife of nearly ten years. Mike was just settling into his job as an Estimator for UMC, Inc after graduating from his MBA program in Spring of 2023. At the time of Mike’s diagnosis their family had actually started the process of buying their first home, a goal they’ve been working towards for years, and Rachel had just stepped away from her career as Grants Coordinator for the Utah State Library to be a full-time mom to their two sons.

Mike is an incredibly caring and generous person, he’s always the first guy to volunteer to help anyone in need. He loves playing basketball and is an avid outdoorsman, though he’s happiest when he’s playing with his two boys. We are asking for donations to help support Mike, Rachel, Sam, and Ben while Mike undergoes treatment to overcome lymphoma. Any donation is greatly appreciated, and will mean so much to their little family.