Michael Pitzer

Mike was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor on December 23, 2009, and we decided to fight this devastating disease head on.

A successful total removal of the 4 1/2 inch tumor from his front left temporal lobe in January 2010 was followed by radiation and chemotherapy treatments, beginning February 1, 2010. Everything appeared to be looking hopeful until his nine-month checkup which showed us the worst … regrowth. We decided to go to Duke University to participate in a couple of research trials, and our faith in God carried us through our entire journey.

Mike had his first seizure on Presidents Day 2011, and we learned that night that the terrible tumor had encompassed his entire brain. We were able to bring Mike home with hospice, and our four young children witnessed death as something that is not painful nor scary.

Mike was someone who lived every day to the fullest and never had regrets. There is no way that as his wife that I want his legacy to be about him dying of brain cancer, but rather about living an incredible life and that God wanted him home before we were all ready.

Mike loved life and our four children more than anything. We loved going as a family to baseball/softball games, and his favorite teams were the St. Louis Cardinals and the Purdue Boilermakers. Mike is smiling in Heaven as I am organizing Team Mike Pitzer. His wishes would be for us all to continue to live and help others. Mike was a special gift to all who knew him on earth, and this is an incredible way to always remember the fight he gave to brain cancer.

Loving Memories, Melinda (wife) and four children Lindsey, Brock, Madelyn and Amanda. WE LOVE YOU MIKE!!!!