Dear Friend,

I am writing to ask for your help in soliciting donations for airfare, lodging and medical co-payments  to assist me with my continued battle with Stomach Cancer.

- My entire stomach was removed on February 5, 2007 (total gastrectomy).

- The surgeons made a “pouch” (the size of a thumbnail) out of my lower intestines as a ‘substitute’ stomach.

- I am on an extremely limited diet, lots of medication/IVs/medical attention required, coupled with Celiac Disease.

The good news:

The Cancer is in remission.

The challenging news:

- Living without a stomach has been difficult, creating a multitude of medical issues, including: nutritional imbalance, malabsorption issues, uncontrolled hypertension, low potassium, extreme fatigability, osteoporosis, gluten/lactose/sugar intolerance, etc.

- After over 10 years of employment with the same company in Albuquerque, my deteriorating health forced me to go on permanent disability.

- Medical insurance co-payments have exhausted my savings and retirement accounts.

- Without a stomach, I require much medication, IV drug treatment therapy and constant monitoring.

My physicians in New Mexico have not dealt with this type of case and do not know the way to treat me. I went to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN in May 2009 for further diagnostic testing and found help there.

I am seeking financial support for airfare, lodging and medical co-payments for an open-ended (approximately 3-month) stay at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Whether it be $1, $5, $10, $25 or more, EACH and EVERY donation is greatly appreciated.

I always “pay it forward” by helping others inflicted with cancer or just those in need.  Feel free to contact me at mikebrookscancer@aol.com or (505) 255-6787 for further information or supporting documentation.

Warmest thoughts,

Michael F. Brooks