Team Mancini's Cancer Fight

Advocate, Fighter, Life Partner, Son and Friend; Michael Mancini is all of these things and more. Five years ago, after months and months of doctor visits, testing, and hospital stays, Mike was given the news that he had Stage IV colorectal cancer at the age of 42. Anyone who is lucky to know Mike also knows what a relentless advocate he is for this cause and never ever says “why me”. He is a true inspiration and hero to many of us that know and love him. Over the last few months Mike has had a series of setbacks and most recently was given the news that his cancer has once again spread to his liver and lungs. If you know Mike, then many of you also know Carole. Carole and Mike met while advocating in Washington D.C. a few years ago and the two of them have been inseparable ever since. Carole too is a stage IV Colorectal Cancer survivor, advocate, mother, life partner and friend. Mike and Carole together are a true force to be reckoned with. As terrible as cancer can be, sometimes it can surprise you and bring people together in a way that you never expected.

 

Mike will now begin the daunting task of traveling, with Carole by his side, for his upcoming treatments which will consist of a new form of chemotherapy and, also up and coming clinical trials that he qualifies for. Traveling while also receiving chemotherapy will not be easy on either of them. The associated costs of food, hotels, flights, etc. will be overwhelming and they will need our help. Insurance does not cover these out of pockets expenses, it rests solely on Mike and Carole. Mike needs to focus on getting healthy, getting the best treatment possible and continuing to fight this disease. That being said, no amount is too small. Every little bit helps.

 

Many of you may or may not know, but Mike loves golf. So much so that he was invited last year to be part of the Cologuard Classic PGA Tour in Arizona. Mike and Carol’s goal is to get him healthy enough so that he can travel back out to Arizona and be part of this event in February. For him to have one more chance to be together with the advocacy family he has grown to know and love. This will not be cheap, but it is Mike’s wish and dream to get there and we need to make this happen.

 

I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported Mike and Carole through this journey and continue to do so. Mike’s journey is far from over, but I do know one thing for certain. He will continue to kick cancer’s ass just as he has been since his journey began five years ago. One step, one punch, one round at a time.