Gratitude and Hope

Just over 2 months ago I was sitting at work with a trainee when I got a scary text: "Please pray for Mike, we just got some devastating news". Within a half hour I found out that he had a tumor on his brain, spoke to my bosses and they not only let me leave but had someone take one of their cars and drive me to the hospital.

He stayed there that night and had surgery in the morning. They removed the tumor successfully and were optimistic about the result and future. Two weeks after that they did a full body MRI and found that he already had spots of the melanoma in his lungs that were inoperable and gave him 10-12 months to live.

I can't begin to explain the emotions that I have experienced since hearing that news. I don't even understand them myself.

Me and Mike doing yoga on the beach. :)

But I can tell you this: At this moment, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and hope. I have seen an amazing outpouring of love and support for my brother and his family. Even for me.

This year my department was given the opportunity as part of the Christmas celebrations to choose a charity to contribute to. Without hesitation or even asking me, my boss submitted my brother's family as the one they would like to help. They decided to do a bake sale and then angel tree for his family.

Human Race on Thanksgiving 2012

I can not believe the amount of love and generosity I have seen. I thought that an unadvertised bake sale would bring in about $500 if we were lucky. But people in this company contributed $2000. I was blown away. The angel tree was also an amazing success. I was able to go be there when they delivered all of the items collected for Mike and his family and I can't tell you how much this means to them. They were overcome with gratitude.

I'm thankful to work with/for amazing people who are willing to sacrifice and give and help. Who genuinely care about others.

At Mike's USC graduation luncheon.

 I have also seen countless people outside of my company come forward and help out my brother's family in any way they are able. I am in awe and humbled by the generosity as I know Mike and Siegred are. It's good to see that this world is full of giving, caring, loving, selfless people. It gives me hope. 

If you or know someone else who would be interested contributing to Mike's family or reading a better version of the situation visit: www.giveforeward.com/rallyformike And thank you in advance!!