Michael’s battle with synovial sarcoma

Update on Michael: Most recent scans are showing that the chemo is working! The tumor in Michael’s shoulder has shrunk quite a bit. We have 2 more rounds of chemotherapy up in Denver and than will start radiation 5 days a week in Colorado Springs. The chemo definitely takes a lot out of him and he is looking forward to being done with that! Most likely looking at surgery beginning of the year. We want to thank everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers. This journey has not been easy but we are nearing the end! 

Meet the Smalls, Mike, Caitlyn, and their three boys, Grayson 6, Elliott 4, and Wyatt 18 months. Mike has served in the United States Army since 2015. He is an Afghanistan veteran and most recently returned from a year long tour in Korea. During a recent routine follow up exam related to an injury sustained during his tour in Afghanistan, the unimaginable became reality – synovial sarcoma. A 1 in a million type cancer. A type of soft tissue sarcoma that only effects 5-10% of people.Facing the potential loss of his right arm at the shoulder, Mike bravely went under the knife. His arm intact for now, must endure 4-6 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy requiring a 5-day hospital stay each time. This will be followed by radiation and potentially more surgeries. No one is ever prepared for the devastation of such a grim diagnosis but imagine being only 30 years old with your wife and three young children at home. Making the four hour round trip several times to a week to the hospital is a financial burden in itself, never mind the uncertainty of the future. Any amount will help to alleviate some of the stress allowing Mike to do what he needs to do – focus on recovery and getting back to his family.