Mike’s Story

Site created on October 21, 2017

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.

In His arms,
The O'Neill Family 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Beth O'Neill

Mike was discharged earlier this evening.  His brother, Parks, is flying in tonight to drive us home tomorrow.  We are so grateful to have his help tomorrow.  

I forgot to mention another God wink that happened to Mike last night.  

After not sleeping, I returned to the Rotary House last night to catch up on some much needed sleep.  When I arrived at the hospital this morning, Mike told me that a visitor had come by his room at 3:00 AM.  A man knocked on his door and said that he noticed that his light was on in his room and he was a chaplain at MDA.  Mike invited him in and asked how he was doing.  They had a nice conversation for about 20 minutes and the gentleman, who Mike described as being in his 30’s, asked if he could pray for him.  Mike, of course, said yes!  He prayed for Mike and then left.  Who makes a chaplain visit at 3:00 AM?  I remember Mike being asked when he was admitted if he wanted a chaplain to visit him and he said no.  I was disappointed as I am ready to pray at any time with anyone.  But, those were his wishes.  So, why did this guy come by in the early morning hours on a Wednesday?  He wasn’t on their “list”.  They discussed their families, their faith, and the history of the church.  They covered a lot of ground.  Not 💯 sure…but I can’t help but think that this was another God wink?!  Right?!  God is so good.  Always present.  Always helping us.  We’re so grateful to be going home.  

Thank you again for your support and prayers!  We’re going home!

In His arms,
The ONeill Family 
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Mike Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation powers a page like Mike's for two weeks.

If you donate by May 12, your gift will be doubled, up to $10,000, thanks to a gift from Living Water Foundation.

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top