Michael is just 50 years old. He was born at Ft. Sill Army Base in Lawton, OK, reisaed in Southwest Oklahoma. He served six years in the Army Reserve (1983-1989). He enjoys fishing in Northwest Montana especially fishing for Catfish, rainbow trout and lake trout.  He also loves to fish the Missouri River in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Michael’s age and health are such a blessing when fighting something like this, but it’s going to be rough. He is going to have dangerously low blood counts and will be susceptible to any kind of infection. Since we received the genetic results back and Michael has the FLT3 mutation, which means his chances of relapsing are very high. So, he will require a stem cell transplant, which means that he will need to stay in Minneapolis for another 4-6 months. He will continue to receive chemo throughout his stem cell transplant.

Michaelene will be staying in Minneapolis with him throughout this battle and by his side. Times will be tough financially for these two, and Michaelene will not be able to work, as Michael will need 24/7 caregiver support. However, they trust the the Lord will continue to provide and everything will fall into place as it should. We feel so blessed and fortunate to have so many wonderful, kind, positive, and loving people in our life. Every little bit helps and your positive thoughts and your prayers are going to get us through this.

 Michael and Michaelena will have to remain in Minnesota at or very near the Abbott Northwestern Hospital.