Fighting Outside the Octagon
Donation protected
Fighting outside the octagon-The Bingham’s Story
Cancer, it’s a fight no one can prepare for. Unlike boxing or UFC fighting, in this fight, there are no padded gloves, no referee to blow a whistle when things get to rough and no time-outs to regroup. This is real raw fighting with no limits, rules, or regulations as to how this fight is to be fought.
Round 1)
One month after Mike and Melissa said I do and started out on the journey of happily ever after the first fight began Melissa at age 29 was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Bam! First punch! She didn’t sign up for this fight, she didn’t train for it, prepare for it or want it…but she had no choice other than to fight it. She was thrown in the cage and put to the test. Melissa, in all the strength and beauty she possesses, gracefully navigated through the tears, sadness, anger, and frustrations of this fight, Mike always at her side, and came out the victor of this one.
After fighting such a fight and being declared cancer free, most people would count their blessings and go about living their life as they did before. Melissa is NOT most people. Being the selfless amazing woman she is, she instead decided to use her experience for good and get involved in the cause to help other fighters beat this horrible disease. She joined the charity Bright Pink and volunteered her time organizing events, raising money and raising awareness in support of others fighting this unwanted battle.
In February of 2013, Mike and Melissa welcomed their first son Camden Michael into the world, and as they settled into their roles as Mom and Dad they were finally about to start living a “normal” life.
Round 2)
Knocked down but not out, After the emotional impacts of Melissas diagnosis, battle and recovery; this time she was on the sidelines and it was Mikes turn to fight. Mikes was a different fight, a less common one, one that took a long time to diagnose. Mike was battling Latrogenic Benzo Withdraw Syndrome or (Ashton Syndrome) something caused by drugs prescribed that have irreversible effects. Mike has suffered fainting spells among other issues that he has been fighting daily. All while raising a child and being a supportive, loving, loyal husband determined to give his family the life they deserve.
Mike is still struggling with his health issues and every day brings new challenges for him. Along with these challenges came a new perspective for Mike, a perspective of what it takes to fight an unwanted fight, a perspective of what really matters in this world, a perspective that he will need to remember and hold close because the battle rages on.
Round 3)
Sucker punched
On January 22, 2016, 5 weeks after the birth of their second son Nicholas, Melissa, at age 34 was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer to the bones in the cervical spine. And just like that Melissa is back in the ring fighting yet another battle, this one being the biggest one yet And now she needs your support. The days ahead will be trying for Mike and Melissa, trying emotionally, physically and financially. Please help Mike and Melissa in their battle to once again overcome the odds and beat this diagnosis. Your prayers are needed and your donations are greatly appreciated. Please join me in supporting my brother, sister n law and their amazing children. I have put this page together in hopes to ease some of the financial burdens they will face to allow my brother to fully focus on this fight with his wife.
Nothing can prepare you for life’s battles and nothing can stop them from popping up. Live every day as if it is the only day you have. Hug your family and friends tightly, love generously and truly, support the people who support you and together let’s support all those fighting the good fight against an unwanted and dangerous opponent! .
Cancer, it’s a fight no one can prepare for. Unlike boxing or UFC fighting, in this fight, there are no padded gloves, no referee to blow a whistle when things get to rough and no time-outs to regroup. This is real raw fighting with no limits, rules, or regulations as to how this fight is to be fought.
Round 1)
One month after Mike and Melissa said I do and started out on the journey of happily ever after the first fight began Melissa at age 29 was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Bam! First punch! She didn’t sign up for this fight, she didn’t train for it, prepare for it or want it…but she had no choice other than to fight it. She was thrown in the cage and put to the test. Melissa, in all the strength and beauty she possesses, gracefully navigated through the tears, sadness, anger, and frustrations of this fight, Mike always at her side, and came out the victor of this one.
After fighting such a fight and being declared cancer free, most people would count their blessings and go about living their life as they did before. Melissa is NOT most people. Being the selfless amazing woman she is, she instead decided to use her experience for good and get involved in the cause to help other fighters beat this horrible disease. She joined the charity Bright Pink and volunteered her time organizing events, raising money and raising awareness in support of others fighting this unwanted battle.
In February of 2013, Mike and Melissa welcomed their first son Camden Michael into the world, and as they settled into their roles as Mom and Dad they were finally about to start living a “normal” life.
Round 2)
Knocked down but not out, After the emotional impacts of Melissas diagnosis, battle and recovery; this time she was on the sidelines and it was Mikes turn to fight. Mikes was a different fight, a less common one, one that took a long time to diagnose. Mike was battling Latrogenic Benzo Withdraw Syndrome or (Ashton Syndrome) something caused by drugs prescribed that have irreversible effects. Mike has suffered fainting spells among other issues that he has been fighting daily. All while raising a child and being a supportive, loving, loyal husband determined to give his family the life they deserve.
Mike is still struggling with his health issues and every day brings new challenges for him. Along with these challenges came a new perspective for Mike, a perspective of what it takes to fight an unwanted fight, a perspective of what really matters in this world, a perspective that he will need to remember and hold close because the battle rages on.
Round 3)
Sucker punched
On January 22, 2016, 5 weeks after the birth of their second son Nicholas, Melissa, at age 34 was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer to the bones in the cervical spine. And just like that Melissa is back in the ring fighting yet another battle, this one being the biggest one yet And now she needs your support. The days ahead will be trying for Mike and Melissa, trying emotionally, physically and financially. Please help Mike and Melissa in their battle to once again overcome the odds and beat this diagnosis. Your prayers are needed and your donations are greatly appreciated. Please join me in supporting my brother, sister n law and their amazing children. I have put this page together in hopes to ease some of the financial burdens they will face to allow my brother to fully focus on this fight with his wife.
Nothing can prepare you for life’s battles and nothing can stop them from popping up. Live every day as if it is the only day you have. Hug your family and friends tightly, love generously and truly, support the people who support you and together let’s support all those fighting the good fight against an unwanted and dangerous opponent! .
Organizer and beneficiary
Shelley Marie Ogonoski
Organizer
West Hartford, CT
Melissa Bingham
Beneficiary