Mike's Continuing Battle Against Cancer

Mike Freitas' Story:

Here's a little background of our situation. My brother, Mike, a single dad of 2 amazing kids, and owner of his own business, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Testicular cancer, spreading to his lymph nodes, abdomen and lungs, in early August. He's had some complications and challenges over the past few months but has finished his originally prescribed regimen of chemotherapy. We were confident after he underwent an upcoming surgery, he would have this thing beat, and life could get back to normal at the beginning of the new year. Unfortunately, he still has evidence of cancer in his body and has a tumor in his lymph system which has not changed since the initial diagnosis, so his fight continues. His income is dependent on his ability to work, which he hasn't been able to do since August, and with his savings depleted, my single mom of 3 on a teacher salary has been covering his expenses. (My father passed away just under 3 years ago...2/19/10). Long story short, my mother has found herself in a position of empty bank accounts and maxed out credit cards, unable to support our family as she always has done and facing a lot of uncertainty about future financial issues....something that she never ever thought she would encounter and something very difficult for us to share. I have helped as much as I can, but being in my 3rd year of dental school, my only income is student loans. Mike has a surgery scheduled for 2/19/13 to remove this tumor, which is intertwined with his intestines, kidney, vena cava, and other crucial vessels. Following this surgery, there may be more chemo and/or surgeries to remove one, or both testicles. Without the help of family and friends, this battle would be even harder, so thank you all in advance for your help...even if it's just positive thoughts and keeping Mike and his fight in your prayers. Our goal to raise $5000 is to go towards his deductible. If we surpass our goal, we are hoping to plan a trip to Disneyland for Mike so he can follow his dream to take his kiddos to visit the "Happiest Place on Earth" before he undergoes surgery.

Mike's two little ones, 7 year old Hayden and 5 year old Bella, tell their daddy every day how much they love him and how they hope he feels better soon. If hugs and kisses were a cure, he would have beat this thing long ago:)

Thank you all so much!