Help Michael Locke Beat Oral Tongue Cancer

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Michael had to have a second surgery a couple weeks ago to remove additional lymph nodes in his neck as scans showed some additional cancer at these locations. Michael is home and beginning what is expected to be another long recovery. The good news is that his medical deductible for 2024 was already met from costs related to the original surgery but he will be unable for work for some time as he recovers his strength and his voice.

To help with living expenses, I have opened up the dontations for this GOFUNDME. Please keep Michael and Kay in your thoughts as they go through yet another difficult recovery period.

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

From Kay Locke (Michael's wife)

Good morning!!

Thanks to the incomprehensible generosity of those who have given to us within and outside the realm of Gofundme. We are blessed beyond belief. I never understood people who said they "were humbled" by others actions, but now I do. I'm crying as I'm writing this because we are experiencing overwhelming love from friends, family and even strangers during Michael's difficult time. I have always believed in the inherent goodness and compassion of humans. You have made that belief a reality. I hope that by your giving, each of you has felt peace, joy and comfort within your heart and soul. We love you. We thank you. We will never forget your selfless compassion and generosity. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please continue to keep Michael in your prayers and thoughts.

Love you, Kay

UPDATED NOVEMBER 14, 2023

John McKean and I are reaching out on behalf of our dear friend, Michael Locke. Michael is not only a husband, father, grandfather and cherished friend, but also an accomplished jazz and blues musician who has spent his life sharing his passion for music. He currently supports his family by teaching guitar at McCutcheon Music in Dayton, Ohio. However, our beloved Michael is in a fight for his life with oral tongue cancer.

Michael's journey toward recovery is a challenging one so please keep sending him your positive thoughts and prayers. He had surgical removal and plastic surgery reconstruction of a significant portion of his tongue on October 23. He was in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) until returning home on November 7th. Since then, he has been little-by-little moving his fingers and using his voice to get in shape for teaching and playing.

Radiation treatments begin on December 4th (Monday to Friday) for 6 weeks and chemotheraphy treatments will begin after that.

During this difficult time, Michael will be unable to work, especially as his primary means of livelihood involves communicating with his students. While he battles cancer and focuses on his recovery, the bills will continue to pile up - from home and car payments to medical insurance and utility bills. Michael's medical insurance out-of-pocket expenses are estimated to be approximately $14,200 (2023 and 2024).

We are committed to ensuring that Michael can dedicate 110% of his energy to defeating cancer and making a full recovery. We want to alleviate his financial burden during this trying time. That's why we've set up this GoFundMe account. Every contribution made to this fundraiser will go directly into Michael's bank account, enabling him to cover his essential bills and medical expenses.

Your kindness and support, whether financial or through words of encouragement, mean the world to Michael and all of us who care about him deeply. Together, we can help Michael Locke overcome this challenging chapter in his life, regain his health and return to the music that he loves so dearly.

Thank you for being a part of Michael's support network during this difficult time. Your compassion is greatly appreciated.