Update (10-22-2006).  Let’s put metaphors aside.  This is LIFE, not football.  Mike wants to live.  He is weak, he is tired, and he is determined to stay alive.  He has cancer.  And there is no cure.  

I created page for Mike so he could talk to people, primarily family and friends, and also those who share his passion for the Oakland Raiders.  You see, Mike has tongue cancer.  His tongue is so swollen he can't speak.  He has a tracheotomy tube (trach tube) to help him breathe. 

Mike may be just another guy with cancer, but he’s MY little brother.  And he needs your help.  As a group, your influence is far greater reaching than mine will ever be.  Send him email, talk about the Raiders, tell him you care … make a donation to help fight cancer.  Do something.  I just want to see him happy.

Update (10-25-2006).  I went to visit Mike this past week in Atlanta.  It was my first visit since he was diagnosed with cancer.  He wasn't in the best of shape, but his spirits were up.  We watched football together, and we saw the Raiders win their first football game of the season.  We talked about old times.  We had a good visit.

Since that time (in just a few day's time), Mike's health took a turn for the worse.  He's back in the hospital.  Doctors gave him more blood and took him off of chemo.  His wife Helene tells me that when he leaves the hospital he's going into a hospice program to make his last days as comfortable as possible.  She hopes to be able to bring him home so he'll be in a familiar environment with family and friends.  To do that, someone has to be with him 24/7.  She just has to work out the details.  I plan to fly back down there and be with him soon.

Update (10-25-2006).  Just booked my flight.  I'm going to Atlanta to be with Mikey.  Put my job on hold.  I'll be there for the duration.  Once I get to Atlanta, I probably won't be posting any changes to this page.  If you want to know how he's doing, you'll have to check in at his place on MySpace.com.  I'll be posting changes to that page for him.

Update (10-26-2006).  Two things happened today --

1. Mike received a heartfelt letter from the Oakland Raiders front office and a book that commemorates the Raiders' 1980 season (the season the Raiders won Superbowl XV).  The book cover was signed by Jim Otto (#00), HOF '80.  
2. Taylor Swift (the country music star) visited Mike's MySpace profile and left him a note.

Taylor Swift

Update (11-11-06).  Mikey died today.  He was 47 years old.  

I love you Mikey.

God bless you,

Your big brother Billy

P.S. I hear God is a Dallas Cowboys fan. Don't be too hard on him, OK?

Mikey and big brother Billy

Letter to Mikey
from the Raiders

Book Signed by Jim Otto #00