Michael Gittins - Battle with Cancer

Hello everyone,

If I have not met you, I’m Shelby - Michael's wife, and I am starting this page for him.

As most of you may know, Michael is battling terminal cancer called Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and suffering from liver disease.

In September 2022, after treatment to extend Michael's life failed, he has decided to enjoy the rest of his life. Michael was only given up to a year of life expectancy.

Below is a short synopsis of what has been going on with Michael.

Michael was diagnosed with NK-T Cell Lymphoma when he was 32. He beat that cancer but unfortunately, from the treatment of that cancer, he developed liver disease.

Michael was in remission for 12 years; during one of his 3-month scans, they found a spot on his liver, which was found to be cholangiocarcinoma, and a spot on his gall bladder called adenocarcinoma. Michael underwent multiple surgeries from May 2020 to remove the tumors until surgery was no longer an option.

Michael continued working throughout his chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other surgeries and issues in between(there have been so many).

In June of 2022, Michael's oncologist decided to pull him from work and put him on total disability. The silver lining is Michael can focus on healing and spending time with his family.

Being unable to work and provide for his family has caused Michael unimaginable stress and anxiety. This, in turn, causes an unhealthy toll on Michael's body during this challenging and emotional time.

Michael has been feeling better since he stopped treatment, and when Michael has the energy, he enjoys the time at home with our two younger kids, Colette(8) and Myles(2.5).

Logan, the second oldest, is studying at Eau Claire in Wisconsin and comes home in his free time to spend it with his father and siblings. Lexi, the oldest, is out in Arizona with her 3-year-old son, Porter, and Michael would love to go and spend some time with them.

My only goal is to ensure Michael is comfortable, cared for, and can live his life to the fullest. To him, this means enjoying his time with his family.

I want to take away the stress of day-to-day bills and let him focus all his energy and love on family and friends.

Michael has been the most upbeat person throughout his journey; if you know him, you

know exactly what I am talking about. No matter how horrible he is feeling, you won't catch him without a smile on his face or a sarcastic joke to tell.

Michael is a one-of-a-kind man and deserves only the best in life. He is the most fantastic father, husband, friend, and coworker and would give the shirt off his back to help another in need.

Please consider helping the Gittins family and shed some light during this difficult time.

Any donation will help and is genuinely appreciated. If you can't donate, please share the page with others, say a prayer or think of him.

We are thankful for the tremendous love and support from our families, friends, and amazing coworkers. We are forever grateful for all the help we have gotten and the love that continues to pour in for Michael.

Please help us reach that goal for him.

With gratitude,

Shelby Gittins