I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas Eve, 1998 and Michael and I have been a team in this battle. He's almost too good for this earth. He is always putting other people ahead of himself.
Since 2003, he has donated $40,000 to, and raised another $35,000 for, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) in my name. He is a "Livestrong Challenge Mentor" these last 2 years, and spent 100's of hours volunteering for the LAF. He is a weekly volunteer at the local chemotherapy clinic. He started an iPod music program at this clinic. In 2008, he spent a week volunteering with critically ill inner-city children at summer camp, and rode across the USA by bike to raise $3400(+) for this Camp.
Copyright © 2008 Demand Media, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Comments
On February 20, 2009 at 05:52 PM
l
On February 20, 2009 at 05:51 PM
You have my utmost respect and admiration my friend.
Everyday is a new day to turn it all around!
LIVESTRONG MICHAEL
Cindy Graf
On February 12, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Hi Mr. and Mrs. Birdsong,
Thank you very much for your kind words. You both are wonderful people that I would love to meet someday! The work that you all do is incredible and I wish you both nothing but the best in your future endeavors! May God bless you both! All my best. Todd
On January 21, 2009 at 08:15 AM
One other thing not mentioned about Michael, he is a two time skin cancer survivor, and was actually using a chemo drug for a while last year during his continued volunteering at the local chemo center.
On January 19, 2009 at 09:00 PM
I met Michael at the Road To Victory Ride in Boulder, Colo. Michael's caring attitude and zest for life were first impressions! He has show this through his dedication to help others first. Way to go Michael! DustinH
On January 19, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Michael is one of the nicest most giving individuals I have ever met. I just got to know him last year when he helped with a charity event. What stuck out most, was his giving nature and not even a notion of wanting anything in return.
On January 19, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Hi Michael,
As one of the finalist, I just wanted to thank you for all you do and wish you and your family all the best for a Happy and Healthy 2009! Todd Hitz
On January 17, 2009 at 09:13 AM
Just entered my daily vote for my good friend, Michael Birdsong!
On January 16, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Met Mike this past summer at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (the first camp overseen by Paul Newman) in Ashford, CT. He and I were cabin counselors and right form the get go, it was clear to me that he was (still is) a tremendously cool person. Watching interact with kids (as a teacher, this a way I gauge folks), it was patently obvious that he is a kid at heart and a person that all people can aspire to be like. Well done Mike!
On January 15, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Michael created a video slideshow of his cross country ride here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaEnEdehI3Y
and has a blog here:
http://chemorocks.blogspot.com/
On January 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I'm excited to vote for Michael. I know cancer has touched his life in many ways and he has shown the spirit to keep fighting in a multitude of ways from donating his time to staying active cycling and participating in MANY events within the LAF community.
On
Add Your Comment: