Mike has performed a very difficult trick – he is, after all, a magician who can make coins disappear at will and has an ebook on magic. However Mike’s true magic becomes apparent when he says “it’s fun to have a chronic illness – you write books and meet nice people.”
Born in Virginia, Mike first came to this area in 1999, working at Borders at the register. He became a resident member in 2007 after customers told him about the Y Residence (he used to make their change “disappear,” and making people laugh turns them into friends quickly). He likes the Y because he feels safe here, and welcomes the gestures of kindness, such as when a staff member saw him using a step stool to walk due to injury and found him crutches.
Mike’s life was interrupted when he was diagnosed with acromegaly, a pituitary gland disorder. He went to the doctor for an ear infection and high blood pressure, only to find himself undergoing brain surgery. As if that wasn’t enough, with the closure of Borders he has had to make further adjustments in his life, and his health can take unexpected turns at any moment. He credits Y staff with saving his life. Noticing he appeared unwell, Residence staff Pam and Daniel urged him to go to the doctor. Mike doesn’t like to make a fuss, but finally agreed and a large accumulation of fluid was discovered around his heart – had he not gone to hospital when he did, that might well have proved fatal.
Mike is the kind who bounces back. He and Daniel got him the disability income he needs, and he is an active participant in an acromegaly support group, writes a blog, and appears in a book written about this disorder by Wayne Brown. “I was leery at first, but when I saw the book I was astounded and excited to see my name.” And then there is his take on radiation and drug therapy. “I had a great time. I met nice people and had the opportunity to travel a lot.” Being Mike, he made friends with the medical professionals and writers, touring the country to speak as a patient. Now he would like to see his name on the spine of a book, as the author. We are sure he will make that happen, and are proud that he chooses to make his home at the Y.
