I'm fundraising for our brother Michael Philion
Here is his story...
Michael was our family’s keystone—the oldest son, the middle child, and someone we could always count on.
After graduating from high school at just 17, Michael entered the nursing program at a local community college. By 19, he had earned his RN and embarked on what would become an almost 30-year career in health care. His career eventually led him to Interventional Radiology at Hollywood Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, where he continued caring for others through some of their most difficult moments. He worked there until July 2015, continuing to care for others even as he faced his own battle with cancer.
Although Michael lived in Florida for the majority of his adult life, he never lost his connection to home. He came back every year—sometimes two or three times—and those visits were filled with the people and places he loved.
Autumn was his favorite season, and one of his favorite traditions was going apple picking at Hicks Orchard. He especially loved the time spent with his nieces and nephews, and the love, laughter, and familiarity of being surrounded by his parents and siblings.
In February 2015, Michael was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite the devastating prognosis, he fought this disease like the warrior he was. He faced challenge after challenge with the same perseverance that had carried him through life.
Sadly, pancreatic cancer took his life on October 24, 2015—his 51st birthday.
But when we think of Michael, we don't think first of cancer. We remember his gentle soul. His infectious laughter. His perseverance. We remember the brother who came home, the uncle who loved his nieces and nephews, the son who cherished his family, and the man who could find joy in something as simple as a beautiful Autumn day and a trip to the orchard.
Michael was so very special to us and so very loved.
Now, he is so dearly missed.
We walk and raise money in Michael's memory because we want to help change the story of pancreatic cancer for the families who come after us. We hope that one day, a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer won't mean losing someone we love far too soon.
I am participating in Lustgarten's Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research to celebrate the progress that has been made and to power tomorrow's research. Please support my goal as I embrace Lustgarten's vision of transforming pancreatic cancer into a curable disease. Donate to my page and provide hope to thousands of families touched by this devastating disease.
Why Lustgarten? They are the nation’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research. Thanks to separate funding of administrative expenses, 100% of my fundraising and your donation funds pancreatic cancer research - research led by Lustgarten and powered by you! Together, we will raise more money for research advancements than I ever could alone.
Your contribution will help me achieve my goal so that more funding can be allocated for research into early detection and new treatments. Please share this page with any friends you think might be interested in donating, and join me on this journey towards a cure.
