Blood Drive

Please join us at the AE Finley YMCA on September 21st to help fight blood cancer and save lives.
Click the link below to sign-up for a time slot.

#fightlikeMike Blood Drive
 http://signup.com/go/fightlikemike

Mike always donated blood through the years and never needed any until his last 2 months on this earth. 15 minutes of your time can help save the lives of 3 people- we hope to see you there!

If you live out of town please consider visiting your local blood bank to make a blood donation.

Mike Palermo Volunteer Day

Show Love, 

Lend A Hand, 

Don’t Mince Words

Join us as we continue to #fightlikeMike

Mike Palermo Volunteer Day

MARCH 18TH, 2017

8:30AM-11:30AM

COFFEE, DONUTS, AND FRUIT

(Please wear work boots and bring some gloves.)

-contact Karen to sign-up

Hope Reins of Raleigh

8420 Wake Forest Hwy

Raleigh, NC 27613

If you are unable to attend, but would like to help in the spirit of Mike, please assist a neighbor, do something kind for a stranger, call your Mom, and always remember to laugh, love, and sing.

The Truth!

Michael “Mike” Palermo, was a true light in this world. A proud Italian-American, he stood up for what he believed in, and greatly enjoyed his family and friends. Mike was a devoted husband of forty-one years, a loving son, an attentive father to two adventurous children, a proud Pop-Pop of seven grand children, and loyal friend who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Mike fought long and hard for his family and friends as he battled Lymphoma and an autoimmune disease called HLH. As we approached this blessed holiday week, Mike knew it was time to come home from the hospital. He passed away surrounded by love in his own home, one hour shy of his Christmas Eve birthday. He knew that life was meant to be lived and he wanted us to celebrate his 64th year of life, and our Lord and Savior, with joy in our hearts.

Mike always knew his gift in this world and would encourage others to find theirs. He always wanted to be part of The Temptations, and would entertain folks up and down the East Coast with his Motown sound. He loved a good sporting event and worked part-time on the ice crew of his beloved Carolina Hurricanes, and worked full-time for years managing propane companies. Mike lived to make his beautiful wife Bonnie happy. He always made time to visit their favorite vacation spots in the Caribbean together. Mike knew time together was more important than wealth. Perhaps that is why his life was so rich!

Growing up in South Philadelphia, considered an at-risk youth, Mike was born an optimist. He never let hardships stop him from dreaming of what he could achieve. Through his journey, he showed us all how to fight for what was important because so many people have lost their grit. Stop wishing about the things you want to do and make a plan to do it this coming year. Do something kind for a stranger and for goodness sake, love your family. Life is precious in every way! Through the mountains and valleys find the good in your journey, find the good in others, and find the good in yourself. If you were unsure about how to do this....you could just ask Mike.

"I've Got Sunshine"

Mike passed away surrounded by love.
He never stopped fighting.
He never stopped loving life.
He never stopped loving you.

As the days and years go by, always keep Mike's spirit close to your heart, and never forget how to: #fightlikeMike

                                                                    Mike Palermo                                                            
                                                                  Live, Love, Sing

Just Ask Mike

As we approach this blessed holiday week, our family is grateful for all the love you have shown us. Mike finished his 4 day chemo drug to help rid his body of the the HLH and combat the lymphoma. He continues to fight each day with out knowing where his levels will be.  The one thing we do know is that Mike loves his family and friends.  He is holding on for all of us!  Mike wants to be home for his Christmas Eve birthday, he wants to be with the grandkids Christmas morning, he wants to hold Bonnie tightly, and he wants to give a big thank-you shout out, to all of his cherished friends.  Right now he is extremely tired and he just wants this treatment to work so he can have more time.

                                                       (5 days ago)

Friends stop wishing about the things you want to do and make a plan to do it this coming year. Do something kind for a stranger and for goodness sake, love your family.  Life is precious in every way! Through the mountains and valleys find the good in your journey, find the good in others, and find the good in yourself.  If you are unsure about how to do this....just ask Mike.

Contradiction

Mike is back at UNC.  We met with another doctor on his team and he said that Mike was a contradiction.  Mike's PT scan showed one thing and the numbers showed another.  After listening and researching,  this genius doctor hopefully found a missing link.  Mike has HLH, an autoimmune disease on top of the lymphoma. The HLH and the lymphoma are fighting, making the cancer do strange things. Mike started another chemo last night, which will hopefully get the HLH out of his body. Friends, we prayed for answers and now we have them, thank you! Keep praying for Mike and Bonnie's strength during these next few weeks.

                 This photo was taken 2 weeks ago with his pastor/life-long friends from PA.

Stronger

Lymphoma can be a beast, but it has made us stronger, closer, and has us praying even harder.  Mike came home this week with a big decision weighing on him.  His levels have slowly come up on their own, it's a huge relief.    Mike and Bonnie have been overwhelmed by the love and support of their friends and random acts of kindness by strangers.  We are convinced that guardian angels have been looking out for Mike on this journey!  Please keep praying because it's working.