Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of encouragement
Our brother Michael is the hardest working person we know, so when he was diagnosed with Leukemia last spring it is no surprise he didn't tell anyone and continued working while going through treatments. There have been a couple of hospitalizations along the way; which have been challenging. Yet Michael remained positive and continued to move forward. However, Michael's illness has gotten to the point where he can no longer work. He is about to undergo a life-saving bone marrow (stem cell) transplant and will be hospitalized for a minimum or a month. He entered the hospital yesterday 3-16-22 to begin the process.
On March 23rd he will receive the life-saving transplant. Our sister Cathy was a 100% match, for which we are so thankful. Cathy is the donor.
To update everyone on the the last 7 years of Michael's life, he has had custody of his beautiful granddaughter (Hope Catherine); she is now 9. She is the light of Michael's life - he is so proud of Hope's loving kindness and even makes rare Facebook posts when she earns school awards for citizenship and being helpful.
Needless to say. the additional responsibility of raising Hope during his illness is stressful, as he really does not want her to be affected.
We are asking for your love and prayers. As you know, Michael hates to ask for help for anything. He is going to need a lot of help. We are so grateful for family and friends that have generously donated to the go fund me, and who have offered love and prayers.
In the coming weeks, he will be able to have visitors. If you have a few minutes (and you are healthy) stop by and say hi....it's really hard for him to be "locked" in the hospital (his words). He is at West Penn (Friendship Ave) Room T-714
To humor those of you who know him well.... he wanted to take his drums. Yes... to the oncology/ transplant ward. I wonder how the other patients and families would like that! Needless to say... that didn't happen; but there is a rumor that he took his bass guitar!
Also.... if you are so moved, it would be really great for him to get some cards while he is in the hospital.
The address: Michael Grasso c/o West Penn Hospital 4800 Friendship Ave Room T-714 Pittsburgh, PA 15224
For some reason I am having challenges adding pics... but stay tuned... we will add them soon.
We appreciate everyone's love, support and prayers
Share this message as widely as possible so we reach everyone in Michael's circle of friends, colleagues, and family.
Mike has a long road in front of him, but he is tough and full of hope. We know he is going to kick Leukemia's butt.
