Mike and Deanne Messinger

My name is Jodi Kooy and I set up this fundraiser for Mike and Deanne because they have given much to everyone around them and now they are in need of our help.

Many of us know and love Mike and Deanne Messinger and those of us who do also know that they have faced many challenges due to Mike’s diagnosis many years ago. They were a busy family with three young children when Mike received the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma brain cancer, a diagnosis that requires intense treatments and surgeries and yet almost always brings death within a few years (25% survive more than a year, 5% survive more than 5 years, and 0.71% survive 10 years or more).

Mike is a walking miracle as he continues to survive this cancer but the damage sustained to the brain from treatments, surgeries, and subsequent strokes have taken a toll on Mike and Deanne over time. About a year ago this damage to his brain intensified and caused it to become impossible for Mike to continue working at his job. Further appointments and tests have made it clear that full time employment is no longer an option for Mike and that this damage is progressing. They are currently in the process of applying for disability for Mike but it is going on year two without a decision. He will have many future tests and appointments to help determine what this means for Mike and Deanne and their future.

I’m sure many of you are unaware of this because Mike and Deanne continue to smile and reach out to those in need and love their family and friends well, but this lack of work and the uncertainty about their future is causing increased stress and increased bills due to lack of income and medical tests and appointments. Let’s surround these friends of ours who have given so much of themselves over the years in spite of the great challenges they have faced! If you could donate even a little it will be immensely helpful and appreciated.