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Home      Michael's Story
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Mike was diagnosed with a mixed Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma, grade 3 tumor, 10 months after we were married. So all of those things that newlyweds/young couples typically go through there wasn't a whole lot of time for anymore...little things just didn't matter. His symptoms were headaches and vision changes; usually when he woke up in the morning.

Mike was treated at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio and we were blessed with the best team of doctors. Over the 4 years and 3 months of his diagnosis Mike underwent two craniotomies, two Gamma Knife radiation treatments, whole brain radiation, Temodar treatments, Gliadel wafers, Avastin treatments, as well as other medications. But through all that time, I have to say we truly never gave up hope. We never had "that talk" we just thought he could keep going and trying different treatments and he did! No matter what treatment the doctors proposed or crazy idea, recipe, exercise regime I threw at him, he did it. (Not always with a smile on his face...but he tried it). 
 
 
We dreamed about our future and pursued our dreams. Mike returned to work and began a new career. Whatever we did, we always did it as a team and worked together. Mike and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary in June 2009. We went to Punta Cana  to celebrate. We even went parasailing! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

"We used to have a simple statement while I played hockey at St. Edward's High School,
'Who cares wins'. I care and I will win".
~ Michael G. Belz, September 8, 2008
 
 

 
         
 

 
Please note the Michael G. Belz Foundation does not provide medical advice and the resources provided are for informational purposes only. 
 
 
Michael G. Belz Foundation |   P.O. Box 347118  | Parma, Ohio 44134