Michael’s Bio

I was diagnosed with aggressive stage-3b rectal cancer in March 2012 and, following 11 months of treatment, was declared cancer-free in May 2013. Surgery and treatment left me with a permanent colostomy, left ventricular hypertrophy, and neuropathy in my feet. I recently was diagnosed with chemotherapy-related hearing loss and I am regularly monitored for potential vision loss. I don’t love the changes happening to my body because of cancer, but I’m still here.

Since my diagnosis, I have become a passionate cancer advocate, especially for men’s mental health and quality of life concerns during treatment. I am a board member and volunteer fundraising director for Man Up to Cancer, an organization founded by my friend, Trevor Maxwell, that helps men find connection and avoid isolation during their cancer journeys. MUTC didn’t exist when I was going through cancer, but I’m damned glad it exists today.

I’m a member of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network National Ambassador Team, a sort of “Ninja strike force” of seasoned volunteers who assist organizational leadership with special projects.

I am part of the Fight Colorectal Cancer Research Advocacy Training and Support Program, and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Cancer Policy Advocacy Team.

In 2015 I self-published the book, It’s Not Harder Than Cancer: The Mindsets You Need to Survive and Thrive After Serious Illness. I am working on a second book, a series of essays based on some of my blog posts about life after cancer, the precarity of life, and the importance of love, gratitude and friendship.

I live in Knoxville, Tenn., with the lovely Sarah. We have been married for 28 years. We live with our rescue dog, a Golden Bassett named Marley. And I’m grateful to have a life filled with loving family and friends.