I Want To Talk About Michael

Wow, I cannot believe that Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is finally coming to a close! Most of you know that helping kids with cancer is the passion that fuels every decision I make and action I take. I am years away from (hopefully) becoming a pediatric oncologist, but I have the power to advocate and fundraise for this cause right now, so I refuse to waste even a moment.

To everyone that has read, liked, and/or shared any of my posts, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. By keeping up with my month long journey, you’ve learned the heartbreaking and the hopeful facts, and you’ve heard the heartbreaking and the hopeful stories. By reading a post, you surely became more educated on the most fatal issue that kids are facing, and I hope you will carry that knowledge and understanding with you. By liking a post, you showed me that my advocacy was making a difference, and you gave me hope to continue pushing on. By sharing a post, you spread awareness of pediatric cancer further than I could ever dream, and you became the advocate yourself. There are no words that can accurately express the magnitude of my gratitude!

On this last day of September, I just want to talk about Michael.

I don’t want to talk about his brain tumor, but rather the vast amount of information he had stored in his brain.

I don’t want to talk about how sick he was, but rather how sick his dance moves were when we went to the 8th grade dance together.

I don’t want to talk about his battle with cancer, but rather his unyielding battles of four square in the Gustafson driveway.

I don’t want to talk about his treatment, but rather the ceaseless compassion, respect, and love with which he treated every single person he met.

Finally, I don’t want to talk about Michael only in the past, but rather emphasize the impact he is making in the present and will undoubtedly continue to make in the future.

I would be remiss not to make one final ask for donations to the Swifty Foundation in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please consider donating any amount you are able. I couldn’t be more serious when I say that every penny counts in this fight to save kids’ lives💛 #mighty4mikey #GoGold4Kids