Mike's Story

In December of 2003, Mike’s life would be forever changed. What should have been nothing more then a simple snowboarding accident led to the discovery of Stage 3 Nonseminoma Testicular Cancer. The cancer had spread from his testicle into his lymph system, where a tumor grew to be 20cm X 12cm X 10cm. Doctors also discovered multiple tumors in his lungs. Mike’s experience is why we believe that Calgary should have the best help available to assist people in their personal battles with cancer. Raising awareness about the need for equipment, combined with raising the funds necessary to purchase them has, in part, lead to the Foothills Hospital expanding a whole medical unit, creating new jobs and training facilities, and allowing more patients access to the medical care they require. From December 26th 2003, Mike was forced to put his passions aside, leaving his soccer team, education at Mount Royal College, and job on hold to combat this terrible illness. In January of 2004, Mike had an Orchidectomy to remove the affected testicle.  Immediately afterwards, Mike underwent over 500 hours of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant to try and beat his cancer. When it was determined that the chemo and the transplant were no longer affecting the remaining cancer in Mike’s body, doctors opted for the last resort. Mike had a Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection. This surgical process is a rare and risky procedure done to remove cancerous lymph nodes in his body; the main lymph node shrunken to 8cm x 6cm from 20cm x 12cm. The surgery was a success and on Nov 5th, 2004, Mike was officially declared to be in remission. Even though he is in remission, the battle still continues for Mike; he is still in the hospital every six months for routine blood work and CT Scans. Those who know Mike know that his spirit remains high and he is and always will be smiling. JOIN MIKE & help support our Cancer Community and the Calgary Health Trust