Michael A. DiCarlo
Michael A. DiCarlo died on August 17, 2009 from an anaplastic astrocytoma. He had NO symptoms until he had a seizure and was diagnosed in September 2008 but the tumors were so pervasive they were inoperable.
He did go through a course of chemotherapy and radiation and while in the radiation unit he was saddened by the many children who were also being treated for brain tumors. It broke his heart.
Brain tumors are the second most diagnosed cancer of childhood cancers and Michael was appalled to find how limited the research and treatment is for brain tumors when they affect so many children.
Michael was compassionate toward the other patients, especially the children, and he encouraged one young mother when she was very nervous about brain surgery. She told me he was such a support for her.
He never once asked "Why me?" when he was diagnosed. He asked why her, why those children? Why that man?
But not once did he say "Why me?"
Michael was a very special individual. He was a sweet, kind, loving, giving family man who treated his family with nothing but respect and affection.
Throughout his illness, he never complained and remained sweet and kind. He was thankful for the wonderful care from his family, his caregivers and his hospice worker. He always greeted everyone with a smile and sometimes a little laugh. His spirits remained positive throughout. He went through his illness with unbelievable dignity, grace and a sense of humor.
Michael was witty and sharp as a tack and loved banter. He joked with all his caregivers. He was also very smart in a very quiet way. He would suddenly come up with some fact or knowledge or figure out how to do something that would blow you away. He was a master at pool and at chess, studying the games figuring it out. But he never bragged about it. Humble does not begin to describe him.
Michael was a simple man who loved bass fishing, Harleys and NASCAR and collecting an assortment of memorabilia. But above all he loved his wife, children and grandhildren.
Brain tumors took a wonderful soul from this world, someone who was a simple but solid individual who brought so much happiness to those close to him and who cared about others.
We want to defeat the terrible disease that took this wonderful man from us. Please help us.
Why This Fund
As many of you know, we have established the Michael A. DiCarlo Brain Tumor Foundation that donates to a variety of organizations dedicated to fighting brain cancer and other cancers. We thank you for your support for that Foundation.
But we have set up this separate memorial to recognize the wonderful work the National Brain Tumor Foundation does and to increase the amount of contributions we can make to them.
Help Eradicate This Killer!
Please join me in the fight against brain tumors by making a donation to my fundraising campaign to support the National Brain Tumor Society.