Director of Operations and Event Coordinator at Mikey's Way Foundation - Westport, CT, US
On March 29, 2004, just two days after his 15th birthday, Michael "Mikey" Friedman of Easton, CT was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive cancer. While being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Mikey was granted a Make-A-Wish. Most often children ask for a trip, or to meet a celebrity. Mikey wanted his wish to make a long lasting difference for those less fortunate than him. His extended stays in the hospital inspired him to start a foundation to help pediatric cancer patients cope with the mental strain associated with threatment and the prospect of an uncertain future. He decided to spend his Make-A-Wish on a shopping spree to purchase entertainment for other children in cancer treatment. That's when he formed the Mikey's Way Foundation. Mikey would distribute interactive games such as Sony PSP's and Nintendo DS' along with laptop computers and digital cameras. By pushing the cart down the hospital halls, Mikey would personally hand out gifts to each child. This would give Mikey great joy because for a moment they would forget about their desease. In October 2008, while a sophomore at Harvard University, Mikey lost his battle with cancer. The foundation depends on donations to provide the means to carry out Mikey's goal. Today, The Mikey's Way Foundation has helped over 4500 kids in hospitals across the country to cope with their disease and treatment by providing electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, video game consoles, and more. For more infromation, check out our website at www.mikeysway.org