Mike Taf Cancer Kicking Fund

Cancer sucks! A simplistic platitude to describe a complicated disease that ravages the body, tests mental strength, and shakes the spiritual foundation of everyone it touches. Few among us are prepared financially for the physical war of fighting for health after a cancer diagnosis once in our lifetime…let alone twice. Unfortunately that is exactly what Mike is faced with.

Mike Tafralian is a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, NV. He is married to his high school sweetheart and together they have two children. When not working at a local law firm or spending time with his family, Mike is an accomplished drummer, avid foodie, basketball enthusiast, and photographer.

In March 2015 he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia with FLT3 mutation. After being in remission from his first battle with cancer, he is now undergoing treatment again. His projected treatment plan currently includes chemo at a hospital near his home followed by trips from Las Vegas to the City of Hope in California for additional treatment. He will require a bone marrow transplant as due to his particular mutation he is unable to rely on his own bone marrow. In order to be able to receive the bone marrow transplant, Mike will have to be in remission. Once this milestone is achieved and the transplant occurs in California, Mike and his family will have to stay in California for 2-3 months to ensure that the transplant is completely successful. Participation in a clinical trial may also be required.

Throughout Mike’s treatment he will obviously not be able to work and earn his typical income. In addition, travel expenses to/from and while in California will accumulate quickly. Finally, throughout all of the time in California, Mike’s wife will also not be able to work and earn her typical income. Add to that the medical bills that will flood in and you are left with a sense of how difficult it will be for them to support their family.

The road ahead is potentially long and winding, but Mike has an incredibly positive attitude and is determined to kick cancer’s ass! Through the grace of employers, family, friends, and others in the community Mike was able to put all of his energy towards a healthy physical recovery the first time. It is more crucial now than before for us to rally around him and his family financially so that they can keep their focus on his recovery physically. Every dollar that you are able to donate buys priceless moments of peace and reassurance for Mike, his wife Kathy, and their children Ben and Leah.

Thank you for your donations, love, and prayers.