Wiggy's Walkers - Finishing what Michael started.

Hello Everyone,   

As some of you may know, I have been participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for the past four years. I started out doing it because I thought it would be fun, but then it became more personal to me. My best friend, Michael (Wiggy) Wielgus, was diagnosed with a cancerous Germ Cell Brain tumor in August 2010. From that point on, I was walking for him. My goal has always been to support Mike in his fight and to raise money and awareness in the hopes to find a cure. In 2011, Mike and I formed the Relay team “Wiggy’s Walkers” and have since raised over $13,000.00.  

I would like to tell you a little bit about my friend Mike. I would describe him as the most loving, caring, unselfish person that I know. He protected his friends from the ugly details of his disease and tried to make his illness easier on us. I would sometimes refer to him as “my protector”, just because no matter how bad he felt, he would tell me all was good. He was all about spreading love to everyone that he met and he single handedly brought a town together. Anyone that knew him; whether it be family, friends, teachers, doctors, etc., will tell you that he was an exceptional kid.  

Sadly for his family, for me, and so many others, Mike passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013. He spent the last few days of his life surrounded by his family and his close friends.    As I mentioned, I have always been there to support Mike and I will continue to do so. Finding a cure for pediatric cancer was important to Mike. He spent 2 ½ years fighting against this disease; I only wished he could have survived.    

Even though my friend Mike is not physically here, I carry his spirit with me in all that I do. He has taught me so much about people and life and because of it I am a better person. I miss him so much, but I know that I was lucky enough to have had him in my life.

I am asking you to please help me continue what Mike and I started. This year, Wiggy’s Walkers will be participating in two walks:

KIDS WALK for Kids with Cancer (May 11,2013) -  100% of the proceeds from the Kids Walk support research underway at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (Mike’s hospital) for hard-to-cure pediatric cancers. If you would like to donate to this cause please visit the following link:

http://www.active.com/donate/kidswalk2013/KWMPatell1

RELAY FOR LIFE (MAY 17,2013) – The funds go towards research and finding a cure for many types of cancer. If you would like to donate to this cause, please visit the following link:

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/Donation2?idb=1535876326&df_id=1010543&FR_ID=49235&PROXY_ID=15733434&PROXY_TYPE=20&1010543.donation=form1

Mike meant so much to me, and now he is my Guardian Angel. I know he will always be with me and he is guiding me on this path to help others. I thank you for always supporting me and I ask that you keep the Wielgus family in your prayers.

Hope, Faith, Courage,
Maggie Patella