Several weeks ago, my nephew, Mikey, began experiencing chest pain and cold-like symptoms. 

As the days went by, Mikey’s symptoms continued to worsen. Trusting her instincts, my sister took him to urgent care and insisted on a chest X-ray, fearing it could be pneumonia. Thank God she pushed for answers—because the X-ray revealed a very large tumor in his chest wall.

Mikey was immediately transported by ambulance to CCMC for further testing, where doctors determined the tumor had to be removed right away as it was pressing on his lungs and heart. He went into surgery the next morning.

The surgery went well, but Mikey experienced some complications that required an ICU stay and a chest tube. After a long and difficult week of hospitalization and waiting for biopsy results, we received the diagnosis: Mikey had a large teratoma tumor with a yolk sac component, positive for germ cell cancer. The tumor was slightly smaller than a dodgeball.

Doctors explained that this type of cancer is very aggressive and fast-growing, with a high risk of returning. Mikey now faces about five months (five rounds) of chemotherapy, with each round requiring a six-day hospital stay.

Through all of this, Mikey has shown incredible strength, courage, and positivity. He truly is the rock holding our family together right now.

My sister, a single mom and has already missed several weeks of work due to hospitalizations and will need to miss more time during each round of chemo to be by Mikey’s side. She works two jobs and has always done everything she can for her family, even while dealing with her own health challenges.

As a family, we’re doing everything possible to support them, but the mounting medical bills and lost income are becoming overwhelming. Any donations will go directly to my sister to help cover food, bills, and basic expenses during Mikey’s treatment.

We are endlessly grateful for all the love, prayers, and support. Please keep Mikey in your thoughts and pray for his complete healing.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 💙