Hello Everybody! As many of you know, our Dad, Al Micke, has been courageously battling the nasty “C” word for some time now. A little background….after not feeling well for several weeks, our mom was able to convince our dad to go and see his doctor on Friday, November 5th, 2016. Several tests were done, including various blood tests. The tests showed his hemoglobin level was extremely low which contributed to him not feeling well. He was admitted to the hospital for immediate treatment. Coincidently, our family was planning on celebrating our family Thanksgiving the following day. Let me just say, God works in mysterious ways. The news we were about to receive on our ‘Thanksgiving Day’ is news no family ever wants to hear; but at least we were all able to be together. On Saturday, November 6th, 2016, our Dad, our Hero, our Role Model, the Patriarch of our family, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Since that time, our hero has dealt with his diagnosis head on. He has never once shied away from the continued challenges this disease has thrown at him. He endured two different rounds of intensive induction chemotherapy during his stay in the hospital. After completion of the second round and finding out that his Leukemia was not in remission; he vowed to keep fighting.

Throughout this journey, our role model has continued to be confident in overcoming the obstacles in front of him with an open mind. He has continued to show a genuine concern for others and an unwavering commitment to his family. I know that I speak for my siblings when I say that our Dad is the glue that has bonded this family together in ways never thought possible.

Since his release from the hospital, he has continued to receive chemotherapy. The goal has always been for Dad to go into remission. Once that happens, the next step in this journey is a bone marrow transplant. The process continues to be very much wait and see. Thank God his health has remained strong thus far; and God willing, will continue to be until such time he is ready to take the next step. When, not if, but when Dad reaches remission and he is ready for the transplant; I know he will face that challenge head on and courageously fight every day to continued good health.

Unfortunately, fighting this disgusting, horrible disease is not cheap. There are the obvious medical bills, the ongoing transportation costs to and from doctors’ appointments, the astronomical cost of the medications, the unknown future costs for treatment and everyday household bills that my parents have. Needless to say, finances have become very tight for them. I know my parents would be the last people on earth to ask for help, so we’re doing it for them. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. We also would like to thank everybody for their ongoing support of our family throughout this journey. I would like to share the following quote that I think embodies the true character of our Dad.

“The one characteristic of authentic power that most people overlook is humbleness. It is important for many reasons. A humble person walks in a friendly world. He or she friends everywhere he or she looks, wherever he or she goes, whomever he or she meets. His or her perception goes beyond the shell of appearance and into essence.” --Gary Zukav