Mike's Medical fund

On November 10th Michael Zasa went for a CAT Scan because he was feeling some tingling and numbness on his right side and his speech was a little disconnected at times.  When the test was finished the doctor immediately called Mike to tell him that there was a large tumor on the left side of his brain that was touching the part of his brain that controls his speech.  They immediately brought Mike to the hospital and he was later transferred to Crouse Hospital in Syracuse for  further testing.  The doctors decided a game plan for Mike and he will be having surgery on December 1 at Crouse Hospital to remove the tumor.  A crew of specialists will be flown in to do the surgery which requires Mike to be awake in order to remove the tumor and make sure that his speech is not effected.  The surgery is expected to be 8-10 hours long. Mike will have extensive occupational, speech and physical therapy after the surgery and possible radiation treatments if they cannot remove the entire tumor.  He has a long and tough road ahead of him, but his faith is strong and his positive outlook will help him to persevere.

Mike is a teacher at Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School in Utica, NY.  He teaches religion and Spanish, however, because of this tumor, he does not recall any words in Spanish.   He is a devoted teacher who gives of himself to the school and his home parish of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blesssed Church in Utica.  He is a 10th grade catechist in the Faith Formation Program at church as well as a trustee for the parish; a member of the parish council; an Eucharistic Minister; he is on the Liturgy Committee; the holiday decorating committee; and gives various talks and workshops when needed.  Mike also teaches in the diocesan Formation for Ministry program and is a Virtus trainer.  His faith is his stronghold and he shares it willingly with others.

Mike is also a devoted son to his mother, Carol.  He takes care of her on a daily basis, making sure her meals are ready, taking her to doctor appointments, attending to her home and he makes sure that her pets are also cared for.  Mike is the kind of guy that will give a lending hand for anyone who needs it and is a good friend.

We hope you can help Mike by making a donation to help defray the costs of the extensive therapies and medical bills that will occur in the future.  Mike has a long road ahead of him.  With your prayers and financial support it will help to take the worry and burden off Mike’s shoulders so he can focus on the road that he has ahead of him to recover from the surgery.  Thank you for your support.