Read Mikey’s first-hand account of his battle with cancer and his journey to recovery.
Hi, my name is Mike—but everyone calls me Mikey. I’m 20 years old, the oldest of five siblings, and family has always been the heart of my world. I love football, basketball, fishing, and sharing good meals with the people I care about.
But my journey hasn’t been easy.
My medical story began in elementary school. Around third grade, I started having intense stomach pain. By fifth grade, I gave up my favorite snack—chips—just to avoid the discomfort. Things got better for a while, but by eighth grade, the pain came back stronger. No matter what I ate, I hurt. I missed school, spent hours in the bathroom, and tried everything to manage it.
By senior year of high school, the pain became unbearable. It was constant, and I felt so much pressure in my belly that I could barely walk. That’s when I went to the doctor—and heard the word no one ever wants to hear:
Cancer.
I was referred to Rady Children’s, and that’s where everything began to change. I met Dr. Megan Paul and Dr. Amber Hildreth, who worked tirelessly to find answers. After a series of tests, they diagnosed me with a rare form of liver cancer. Together, we decided that a liver transplant was my best chance.
On June 1, 2024, I received my transplant—and with it, a second chance at life.
There are so many people at Rady Children’s who made this journey easier. Nurse Jenny and Kyla were always there with a smile, making me feel safe and supported, even on the hardest days. But it wasn’t just them. I’m grateful for every single person at Rady’s—the doctors, nurses, lab techs, food service workers, custodians, and administrative staff. Even if we never met face-to-face, your work mattered.
You helped save my life. Thank you.
Hearing I had cancer changed everything. It made me more grateful, more present, and more determined. I don’t just push forward for myself or my family—I do it for the donor’s family, too. That liver could’ve gone to someone else, and I carry that responsibility with me every day.
Today, I’m doing great. My doctors say I’m recovering well, and I feel stronger all the time. I’ve seen what other kids and teens go through at Rady’s, and it motivates me to keep going. Some are still waiting for their second chance—and I don’t take mine for granted.
If your child is going through something hard—physically, mentally, emotionally—know this: take it one day at a time. Some days will be rough, and that’s okay. Don’t ask, “Why me?”—because there is a purpose, even if you can’t see it yet. Lean on your support system. Struggling doesn’t make you weak. Showing up, even when it’s hard, is real strength.
This experience changed my life. And I’ll never forget the people who helped me through it. My goal now is to live in a way that honors the incredible gift I’ve been given. One day at a time.
To learn more about Rady Children’s Liver Transplant Program, Click here.