In 2019, Mike Smith, a father of two, was initially diagnosed with ocular melanoma in his right eye. Shortly after, Mike made the necessary – but difficult – decision to have his eye removed. But according to the Maple Pitt-Ridge Meadows News, Mike, now age 50, was recently re-diagnosed with melanoma. Unfortunately, in this case, the melanoma has spread; Mike’s spine and liver are now affected.
Although Mike is undergoing immunotherapy and radiation, he and his family are still grappling with many difficulties. As many people know, particularly in the rare cancer or rare disease communities, treatment options are often incredibly expensive and place an immense burden on the family. Currently, a family friend is raising funds to support the family on GoFundMe. On the page, she writes:
We want to offer support and make this road ahead as manageable as possible and reduce any stresses we can for Mike and his family.
Currently, the GoFundMe aims to raise $25,000 CAD. In addition to assisting the family and offering Mike more time to spend with his wife Jessica, son Braedon, and daughter Breanna, the funds will help support alternative medicine and treatment options. These alternative treatments would be used to improve Mike’s immune function and heighten the effects of the immunotherapy.
If you’re interested in donating to this cause, you may donate here.
Ocular Melanoma
As the name suggests, ocular melanoma is a form of eye cancer. This cancer forms in melanin-producing cells, and can form in any part of the eye (iris, ciliary body, choroid layer). Unfortunately, doctors are not sure of the exact cause of ocular melanoma. However, risk factors include being Caucasian, being older in age, having a light eye color, genetic mutations, or UV light exposure. In early stages, patients may not experience any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms include:
- Growing dark spots on the iris
- Pupil shape changes
- Watery eyes
- Displacement of the eye within the socket
- Sensation of flashes or dust specks in the eye
- Poor or blurry vision
- Vision loss
- Glaucoma
Learn more about ocular melanoma.
