Mike McCallum - thanks you!
Donation protected
This is a plea for help on behalf of a kind and loving couple that would never think to request help for themselves.
Mike and Colleen have lived their lives quietly doing simple acts of kindness for others. Whether it’s adopting abandoned cats and dogs, helping a friend, co-worker, and family member or just showing compassion to a stranger; they have brightened many a day for those around them.
Mike is the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He's the first to help when someone else is hurting.
Mike was forced into early retirement a few years back. As an operations manager for a plastics molding company, Mike's role was to repair machinery and manage other employees.
When Mike's company decided to move their operations to another country, Mike's first concern was for those who worked for him. He fought to ensure fair compensation, wrote letters of recommendations and did everything he could to help others find new employment. He never felt sorry for himself as he trained his own replacement, tried to find new work and finally resigned himself to premature retirement.
He remained positive when their limited savings account dwindled just to pay the bills. He never complained when he later developed neuropathy and couldn't walk without severe pain.
His wife Colleen is Mike's rock. She has worked many years as a waitress and never asks anything for herself. However, she is the one who always gives up her Christmas to work for the colleague with young children or covers a co-worker's shift so that she/he may be with a sick child. Colleen currently works in a senior independent/assisted living community. She cares about and worries for each resident. Colleen's income is modest. Yet, she manages to send a card, pick up flowers or provide a crossword book for the resident that may be in need of a kind gesture.
Mike and Colleen's world collapsed last week. Their nightmare began when Mike was rushed to a hospital emergency room with severe abdominal pain. He was admitted with an initial diagnosis of gall bladder stones. The diagnosis changed to masses on his liver when surgery was performed. He has since learned that he has Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.
It's hard to describe how this catastrophic news has affected Mike, Colleen and those who love them. However, at a time when Mike and Colleen should focus on best medical options and their remaining time together, their financial worries take precedence.
Worries are so great that instead of remaining in the hospital to see the oncologist, Mike begged doctors to discharge him earlier just to avoid another night of hospital expenses.
At a time when Colleen just wants to be at her husband's side, she feels guilty because in her job, not working simply means no paycheck.
There is some health insurance but, the deductible alone is astronomical for them. Colleen can take Family Leave but, it means no income. Their already diminished savings will not support them through their journey ahead.
Mike and Colleen won't ask for help on medical costs. They won't ask for help so that Colleen can spend precious time with her husband without worrying about no pay..........so we will.
Please help them.
Mike's sisters
Mike and Colleen have lived their lives quietly doing simple acts of kindness for others. Whether it’s adopting abandoned cats and dogs, helping a friend, co-worker, and family member or just showing compassion to a stranger; they have brightened many a day for those around them.
Mike is the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He's the first to help when someone else is hurting.
Mike was forced into early retirement a few years back. As an operations manager for a plastics molding company, Mike's role was to repair machinery and manage other employees.
When Mike's company decided to move their operations to another country, Mike's first concern was for those who worked for him. He fought to ensure fair compensation, wrote letters of recommendations and did everything he could to help others find new employment. He never felt sorry for himself as he trained his own replacement, tried to find new work and finally resigned himself to premature retirement.
He remained positive when their limited savings account dwindled just to pay the bills. He never complained when he later developed neuropathy and couldn't walk without severe pain.
His wife Colleen is Mike's rock. She has worked many years as a waitress and never asks anything for herself. However, she is the one who always gives up her Christmas to work for the colleague with young children or covers a co-worker's shift so that she/he may be with a sick child. Colleen currently works in a senior independent/assisted living community. She cares about and worries for each resident. Colleen's income is modest. Yet, she manages to send a card, pick up flowers or provide a crossword book for the resident that may be in need of a kind gesture.
Mike and Colleen's world collapsed last week. Their nightmare began when Mike was rushed to a hospital emergency room with severe abdominal pain. He was admitted with an initial diagnosis of gall bladder stones. The diagnosis changed to masses on his liver when surgery was performed. He has since learned that he has Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.
It's hard to describe how this catastrophic news has affected Mike, Colleen and those who love them. However, at a time when Mike and Colleen should focus on best medical options and their remaining time together, their financial worries take precedence.
Worries are so great that instead of remaining in the hospital to see the oncologist, Mike begged doctors to discharge him earlier just to avoid another night of hospital expenses.
At a time when Colleen just wants to be at her husband's side, she feels guilty because in her job, not working simply means no paycheck.
There is some health insurance but, the deductible alone is astronomical for them. Colleen can take Family Leave but, it means no income. Their already diminished savings will not support them through their journey ahead.
Mike and Colleen won't ask for help on medical costs. They won't ask for help so that Colleen can spend precious time with her husband without worrying about no pay..........so we will.
Please help them.
Mike's sisters
Organizer and beneficiary
Maureen McCallum
Organizer
Michael McCallum
Beneficiary