Help Michael Calandra Fight Cancer!

Hey everyone!

My name is Michael Calandra. I’m a self employed artist and illustrator known for working with 78 Tarot, US Games Systems, Image Ten, Inc., and cover art for Heavy Metal Magazine.

In July of 2023, my doctor started investigating a 2cm lump on the side of my neck. After ultrasounds and a CT scan determined it was “something” and we had a biopsy confirm it was squamous cell carcinoma.

A PET scan showed it in my right tonsil and at least two lymph nodes. My options were surgery, radiation, and chemo.

I had a feeding tube put in on September 20th. Its job will be to provide a way for me to eat should I not be able to swallow during radiation therapy. The next day, September 21st, I had throat surgery to determine exactly where the cancer is and how to proceed.

I've had most of my right tonsil removed, biopsies, and an exploratory look around the area. I still have cancer in my lymph nodes, but the doctors feel that radiation should take care of it. The plan at this point is to start daily (M-F) radiation for 6 weeks, but the plan can change as necessary.

We have health insurance, but as you know, it doesn’t cover everything and bills are already coming in. I’ve had doctor visits, blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, biopsies, PET scans, and two surgeries so far. Radiation, speech therapy and who knows what else is coming up in the next few months. This is far from over.

We anticipate a loss of income in addition to the mounting medical bills. I own a small picture framing store and my wife Angie is a self employed hairstylist. The businesses are small, so there are no employees. I am anticipating having to close my shop periodically and Angie may have to take off to help me at home. We will get hit with medical, household, and business bills and this loss of income all at once. Your help would make all the difference to us!

With your support and help, my family can get through this!

I have a fantastic support system through friends and family. Thank you so much if can contribute! If you can’t, please join my army of friends and share my story!

I have a great team of ENT doctors, oncologists, and radiologists at the Hickman Cancer Center in Sylvania, Ohio! I will be updating this page as we get more info and developments.