Michael's Medical Cancer-Bill Fund
Donation protected
Many of you probably know by now that Michael is undergoing chemo for Lymphoma that was discovered early this year. Michael is so young, healthy and vibrant - the diagnosis came as a complete shock. His prognosis is fantastic, and at the halfway point through his treatment, he is in full remission! If you know Michael, you are aware of his kindness, his generosity of spirit, his work ethic and his iron will. Cancer really doesn’t stand a chance.
That’s the good news - the not-so-good news is the treatments are tough. Michael checks in to the hospital every 3 weeks for 5 days of 24/7 treatment. At first, Michael worked in the weeks between treatments, but it became clear almost immediately that in order to beat the illness, he would have to devote himself full time to his recovery. So, in early February, he put his work at Ascent Real Estate on hold and went on short term disability. As you can imagine, the loss in pay (Michael is receiving only 55% of his salary) coupled with the mounting medical bills are going to be a challenge going forward. We’re starting this page to help him out with the portion of the $40,000 in medical expenses not covered by insurance and missed wages. We ask that you share a link to this page on your Facebook or other Social Media walls as often as you like.
But, before you do, please take into account the following few facts about Michael that he would NEVER say about himself...
Michael has always followed his heart and done it with humor, honesty and integrity. He's as open with his home as he is his acceptance for others. He is passionate about film so he continues to program FilmOut San Diego from his desire to give members of the LGBT community an uncensored, safe space to express themselves and make their voices matter. He has watched every single movie submission ever entered (often hundreds each year) to provide our community with the stellar selection of films screened at our annual LGBT film festival. He works selflessly to bring sponsors, directors, actors, and vibrantly diverse audiences together in ways that have often been difficult to blend, creating opportunities and a safe space to share and cultivate understanding. The result is a film festival our community can be proud of, one that has inspired, encouraged and educated thousands within our community and even some outside of it. It has opened minds, warmed hearts and, for many, bridged the gap between generations.
Many of you, at some point in your life, may have been the recipient of Michael’s kindness. Whether through his tireless efforts with FilmOut, Ascent or in a personal time of need. Now, it's our turn to show him our LOVE and appreciation and say THANK YOU Michael for all the ways you brighten each of our lives. Please contribute any amount that you can. He will be very grateful!
**Bio provided by Kim Hawley, Aimee Dennis, Bob Bouchard, & Kaleb James**
That’s the good news - the not-so-good news is the treatments are tough. Michael checks in to the hospital every 3 weeks for 5 days of 24/7 treatment. At first, Michael worked in the weeks between treatments, but it became clear almost immediately that in order to beat the illness, he would have to devote himself full time to his recovery. So, in early February, he put his work at Ascent Real Estate on hold and went on short term disability. As you can imagine, the loss in pay (Michael is receiving only 55% of his salary) coupled with the mounting medical bills are going to be a challenge going forward. We’re starting this page to help him out with the portion of the $40,000 in medical expenses not covered by insurance and missed wages. We ask that you share a link to this page on your Facebook or other Social Media walls as often as you like.
But, before you do, please take into account the following few facts about Michael that he would NEVER say about himself...
Michael has always followed his heart and done it with humor, honesty and integrity. He's as open with his home as he is his acceptance for others. He is passionate about film so he continues to program FilmOut San Diego from his desire to give members of the LGBT community an uncensored, safe space to express themselves and make their voices matter. He has watched every single movie submission ever entered (often hundreds each year) to provide our community with the stellar selection of films screened at our annual LGBT film festival. He works selflessly to bring sponsors, directors, actors, and vibrantly diverse audiences together in ways that have often been difficult to blend, creating opportunities and a safe space to share and cultivate understanding. The result is a film festival our community can be proud of, one that has inspired, encouraged and educated thousands within our community and even some outside of it. It has opened minds, warmed hearts and, for many, bridged the gap between generations.
Many of you, at some point in your life, may have been the recipient of Michael’s kindness. Whether through his tireless efforts with FilmOut, Ascent or in a personal time of need. Now, it's our turn to show him our LOVE and appreciation and say THANK YOU Michael for all the ways you brighten each of our lives. Please contribute any amount that you can. He will be very grateful!
**Bio provided by Kim Hawley, Aimee Dennis, Bob Bouchard, & Kaleb James**
Organizer
Michael McQuiggan
Organizer
San Diego, CA