A PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Mike Hattasch"Thanks to The Wellness Community nobody has to take this battle on alone ever again"At age 44, Mike Hattasch learned about his brain tumor while at work. The call came from the doctor who had just finished reviewing his MRI. “I was overwhelmed with fear because the doctor told me I was lucky not to be blind, paralyzed or even dead,” says Mike. “I don’t even remember saying good-bye. My thoughts immediately shifted to Pam, my wife of 23 years, and how she would take the news.”
In January 2005, Mike’s tumor was successfully removed in what the doctor’s referred to as a “miracle surgery.” In February, tests showed that Mike had a rare plasma cancer called multiple myeloma. Mike’s faith, although always important to him, became even more so. “I knew I couldn’t handle what was ahead of me without my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ.”
Mike’s oncologist suggested that Mike look into a support group at The Wellness Community (TWC.) “Imagine how happy I was to learn that one of the nine monthly TWC networking groups is for multiple myeloma!” “In the group, I gained information from others and powerful recommendations on how to plan for my cancer journey. I try to never miss one of our monthly meetings.”
In 2008, he attended TWC’s 1st Annual Facing Cancer in the Faith Community symposium, which led him to facilitating a cancer support group at Chandler’s Cornerstone Church. Mike joined TWC’s support team in 2009 to help organize their 2nd Annual symposium. “TWC provides faith leaders the tools and best practices to begin or enhance cancer support groups for their congregations Valleywide. You would be hard pressed to find this invaluable support anywhere else and it’s free. I want everyone to know that thanks to TWC, nobody has to take this battle on alone ever again.”