Welcome to Michael’s Fund

Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Sept. 9, 2009.
It is our hope that this site will keep family and friends informed about Michael’s progress and
help to support Michael’s family through this tough time in their lives.

Michael is a great guy who loves fishing, music, watching football and enjoys just being with family. He is currently being treated for his leukemia in Houston. Michael has a great positive attitude.

Michael’s leukemia was discovered when he was having
some routine blood work.
His only symptoms were feeling tired and some weakness.
To complicate matters, Michael was diagnosed with schizophrenia 13 years ago.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also known as ALL), is a cancer that starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow.  In most cases, the leukemia invades the blood fairly quickly. It can then spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central  nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The term "acute" means that the leukemia can progress quickly, and if not treated, would probably be fatal in a few months.

Michael’s treatment for ALL leukemia will last for 3 years. His treatment begins with eight 21 day courses. Each course includes a 4-5 day stay in the hospital for chemotherapy, several painful bone marrow biopsies and spinal taps to inject chemo directly into the spine. He faces all of this without fear or complaints. Michael also takes many oral medications such as antibiotics to prevent infections, and steroids which are common for people undergoing treatment for ALL. He must have blood work up to 3-5 times a week to check his blood count. The strong doses of chemotherapy that kill the leukemia cells will also kill healthy cells in the bone marrow.  Chemotherapy can cause the red blood cells or the platelets (white cells) to drop, leaving Michael prone to infection or anemia. This makes it necessary for him to have red blood cell and platelet transfusions, and he will need a stem cell transplant after the initial eight courses of chemotherapy end.  Then he will have monthly chemo injections, regular blood work and bone marrow biopsies for 3 years to make sure the leukemia does not return.

So far, Michael is responding well to his treatment. Since starting treatment he has had two blood transfusions and two platelet transfusions. He did go to the emergency room once with a fever and spent a few days there getting IV
antibiotics and transfusions. 

Although Michael lives in the Austin area, he has to travel three hours to Houston for most of his treatment. Michael’s mom is responsible to see that Michael gets to the hospital and doctors and his day to day care. His mental illness prevents him from driving or managing his own medical care. The regular routine of blood work, office visits, driving to the hospital and the daily hands on care is pretty much a full time job. Michael’s mom is self-employed and the sole support of the household. Michael’s care leaves little time to do any work to support the family.

Your contribution will help Michael’s family to cover expenses during these
tough times.  Please keep Michael and his family in your prayers. 

Thanks to the Talbert Family Foundation and their supporters for being there to help families in their time of need.