GoFundMe Campaign Launched To Help Beloved Cheshire High School Coach Battling Cancer

CHESHIRE, CT — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid Cheshire High School football assistant coach Mike Ciotti, who is battling Stage 4 cancer.

Ciotti, a married father-of-four who hails from a football family, has battled the disease for more than three years, and was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.

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"For decades, Mike Ciotti has dedicated his life to serving others—as a coach, mentor, husband, father, and friend," Susan Lutz wrote. "If you've had the privilege of knowing Mike, you know that's simply who he is. Today, it's our turn to give back to someone who has given so much to so many."

As of Wednesday, the campaign was more than halfway to its goal, having raised more than $78,000 toward $150,000.

"Alongside conventional treatment, he has been receiving integrative oncology therapies that have helped support his strength, preserve his quality of life, and help him continue his fight," Lutz wrote.

She added, "Unfortunately, these therapies are not covered by insurance. Each week of treatment averages about $5,000, creating an overwhelming financial burden for Mike and Licia. While these treatments cannot promise a cure, they have helped Mike enjoy more good days and continue making meaningful memories with the people he loves. Because Mike's treatment needs are ongoing, this fundraiser represents an initial goal to help him continue receiving the care that has made such a meaningful difference."

More than a decade ago, Ciotti was diagnosed with Acinic Cell Carcinoma, which attacks the salivary glands, CT Insider reported. The Madison resident beat it, but years later, the cancer returned.

"Anyone who knows Mike has probably heard him say, 'Eat the Bear,'" Lutz wrote. "It's a lesson his father taught him years ago: if you're ever trapped in a room with a bear, you have two choices—you let the bear eat you, or you eat the bear. In the Ciotti family, there has never been another option.
Mike has lived by those words throughout his life.

"He has inspired countless athletes to face adversity with courage, raised his children to do the same, and now he is facing the biggest bear of his life with the same strength, determination, and unwavering hope that have always defined him."

To view the GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Mike Ciotti, click here.