First post:
Oct 25, 2017 Latest post:
Feb 29, 2024
Welcome to Coach O’Neill’s CaringBridge site. We are so grateful to have your support...especially your prayers. Mike retired from his position as the Head Football Coach at Collierville High School in December 2018 to deal with some of the side effects from his treatment for throat cancer. Mike is the husband of Beth O'Neill. He has 3 beautiful children - Brooke (36) married to Bowers Clement, Michael (30) married to Christi Picus, and Mary Elizabeth (28). Mike (aka G-Daddy) has 3 grandchildren. Two precious granddaughters, Mary Reagan (aka Cutie Pie) (9), and Palmer (aka Firecracker)(4) and one grandson, Andrew (aka Bam Bam)(1). They are the joy of our lives.
Mike was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tonsil on October 18, 2017 with activity in his neck and tongue. He had no evidence of cancer in June 2018. In February 2020, a larger battle began to eradicate OSCC which had metastasized into his lungs. Mike is a fighter and has found strength in listening to Tom Petty's song, "I won't back down" throughout his treatment for throat cancer. Mike began writing his story for our grandchildren when the cancer metastasized in 2020, and he has since published his memoir, entitled Don’t Back Down. Coach O’Neill often says, "I ask my players to play like their hair is on fire - so I must do the same and approach my battle with the same tenacity". Mike’s strong and extraordinary attitude is inspiring. We know that God's timing is perfect, so our trust in Him must be too. Faith over fear. God’s will is perfect, and we pray thy will be done no matter how hard our battle might become. We know God is with us. We find strength in offering up our suffering to the one who saved us, Jesus Christ. Experiencing love and finding joy throughout this battle is what as our faith teaches us to do. Matthew 6:34 Mike has commented often since we shared his diagnosis that he can feel your prayers. Please don not stop praying for him! Prayer warriors - we need you and you know who you are—#mikesmilitia. Pray for “Mike’s Miracle” and for God’s peace to reign over all. Most of all that Mike is healed, feels love, and has no pain. Your love, support and encouragement is welcome and comforting to us. Thank you for these things and for visiting Mike’s CaringBridge site.
