Survivors

OUR WARRIORS
Autumn Milam Age: 8 "In early April 2008, Autumn began having intermittent fevers which continued as the month went on. Towards the end of the month she began complaining of her joints slightly and then on the weekend of the 19th of April we took her to the Urgent Care as she had a severe ear ache. We mentioned the aches and complaints, but they just indicated that she needed an antibiotic for her ear infection. She did not get better and by Tuesday we took her to her pediatrician, who said she needed a stronger antibiotic. She went in again Friday of that week and she was worse, and now had swollen lymphs. Her pediatrician did blood work then told us to take her to the hospital on Saturday the 26th. We were met by an oncologists, social services, surgeons (for a port), a Leukemia foundation, and nurse dietitians within that Saturday and Sunday. She was there 8 days and by the time we left she was feeling better and we were beginning to get a handle on it. I can not stress enough the importance of the Children's Center, hospital, staff, and all the doctors involved with the children. The way they dealt with everything helped Autumn, who was not quite 5 at the time, handle it then and in the future.”
Gabrielle Davis Age: 19 "Gabi discovered a lump on her neck February 1, 2009, and within a week was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. For the next 5 months she went through 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 13 days of radiation. Gabi was cancer free for a short 15 months, the Hodgkins showed up on a PET scan again in August 2010. She then went through 3 more rough rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a bone marrow transplant in January of 2011 at the University of Michigan Hospital. Gabrielle is 100+ days post transplant and again cancer free, knock on wood."
Mike Vorkapich Age: 41 Mike Vorkapich is a former Spartan Football player, and currently, the Associate Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Michigan State University. Mike works primarily with hockey, men & women’s golf, and men & women’s basketball. “After coaching Lauren Aitch for 5 years and knowing her charismatic personality, it is not a surprise to me that she is leading a charge in the fight against cancer. As a Papillary Thyroid Cancer survivor, I am truly honored to be asked to be a part of ‘Lauren’s team’ in this fundraising opportunity.”
Tim Bograkos Age: 31 MSU Grad-2005 & Men's Basketball Tim Bograkos, Michigan State University Alumni Association Young Alumni Coordinator, works to keep Spartan alumni engaged with Michigan and the university. "I'm excited to be involved with The Atich Foundation, cancer touched my life as a child and I feel lucky that I can help Lauren and her foundation raise awareness and funding for occult cancer detection."
Mike Vandenheede I'm here to help promote positive thinking. Always focus on your Health, Happiness and your Prosperity, my 3 keys in life. Currently I focus on volunteer work for a non denominational organization.
Beth Kulaga Age: 12 At the age of 8, Beth was taken to the doctor with a stomach ache and a fever. She was admitted to the hospital with Acute Appendicitis and had emergency surgery to remove a very large, inflamed appendix. Three days into Beth's hospital stay, the phone rang and her mother heard one of the most frightening words a mother can hear: Cancer. Her over-sized appendix contained a large tumor called a Carcinoid. Carcinoid Cancer typically has no symptoms, so Beth's appendicitis was a blessing in disguise. Beth was placed under the care of the Sparrow Children's Center, who determined a protocol to make sure the cancer did not reappear. Beth is nearing her fourth year of being cancer-free. She is a happy, healthy 12 year old who enjoys playing on the 6th grade basketball team at Webberville Middle School.