Michael's Medical Fund

Hello. My name is Michael Merriman. I am 45 years old, and live in Chandler, AZ with my wife Sharon and son James. I was just diagnosed with throat cancer 2 weeks ago after a surgery to remove a swollen lymph node. Two biopsies prior to surgery came back negative for cancer, but once the mass was removed, the complete pathology results showed that it was indeed cancer.

I work at GoDaddy as a tech support/sales rep, and also do volunteer web development and admin work for a non-profit organization, and SuperPAC here in Chandler. 

Due to my radiation & chemotherapy that I start next Tuesday, my Doctor(s) have given me 4 months of medical leave from work. Unfortunately, I am the sole provider for my family and am unable to get any short-term disability from work due to the fact that I have not been there for a full year yet. I will be returning to work on Jan 1st (earlier if my strength is up). 

We have found out that we cannot get any form of State short-term assistance, or Social Security to help us get by the next 4 months for rent, food, utilities, or medical expenses. 

We have started this GoFundMe campaign, in an attempt to get some help with our bills and living expenses. It's frustrating that because I have a good job, I do not qualify for any assistance, 

Please prayerfully consider helping us with any amount. I look at this type of funding as "paying it forward", because we will be giving back to other campaigns once I'm back to work. 

Thank you for taking the time to hear our story, and thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my family, our marriage, our son, and my recovery.