In March 2021 at the age of 30, Michael began having pains on the left side of his abdomen. He went to his doctor, was told it was diet-related, and was given heartburn medicine. "I even asked the doctor at that appointment like, 'Is there a chance that this could be colon cancer? Because I was reading stuff online. And the doctor practically laughed at me and told me, 'No.' I was way too young." Two weeks passed and his symptoms worsened. He had blood in his stool, and he had lost 10 pounds. His doctor continued insisting it was diet-related.
In May, he made his own appointment with a gastroenterologist. He was told his issues were likely diet and stress-related, as his wedding was approaching. By June, the stomach pains were unbearable, he had constant fatigue, and his body temperature was 104 degrees. Mike and his future wife, Sarah, went to an emergency room ten days before their wedding. Mike was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, but upon re-reviewing his CT scan, the hospital called to tell Mike that he may have Colon Cancer. After his wedding and honeymoon, Mike had a colonoscopy. It was then that his tumor was discovered. In July 2021, the tumor, 16 inches of Mike's colon, and his appendix were all removed. A few months later, it was revealed that Mike's liver was covered in tumors, making him a Stage IV Colorectal Cancer patient. In addition to chemotherapy, he received radiation treatment.
It was his mission that his friends and family would be able to get early screenings to potentially save their lives. Because of his diagnosis, his siblings were able to get colonoscopies. All three of them had several polyps that could've possibly turned into cancer. He saved their lives.
Michael passed away at the age of 31 on August 29, 2022. It was Michael's mission to raise awareness of young-onset Colorectal Cancer and educate young adults about the symptoms that could indicate the disease. Though Michael may not be with us, his impact can still be felt.
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