Faith Takes Root

Faith has always been part of my story, but it wasn’t until my cancer diagnosis that faith became a tangible and transformative force.

I grew up in La Habra Heights, California, where family life revolved around the church. We attended Our Lady of Guadalupe most Sundays, and priests were frequent dinner guests. My mother modeled a steady faith that grounded our family. My father, rooted in Latino traditions, expected hard work and obedience. My brother and I spent countless afternoons tending to our animals and the avocado grove on our property.

I lived up to my parents’ high expectations, excelling in school and sports. Yet as I pursued independence through high school and later veterinary school, I began to drift from my faith. The late-night jam sessions with my punk rock band and the party scene pulled me away from the disciplined faith of my childhood.

Although I never stopped believing in Jesus, my relationship with Him became more perfunctory than real. I was focused on worldly success — and by the world’s standards, I had achieved it. But despite my wealth and professional respect, something was missing.

It wasn’t until my father’s declining health and his eventual passing in 2004 that I began to rediscover the foundation of faith planted in me as a child. Sitting beside him in his final days, I felt the undeniable presence of God. It was a reminder that our lives are part of a greater story and that even in loss, He is near.

Looking back now, I realize those early seeds of faith and that season of grief were preparing me for the greatest battle of my life — one that would bring me to my knees and ultimately, back to God.

Introduction

Hello, I’m Dr. Mike, and this is the story of how my battle with cancer transformed my life and led to the creation of Faith Over Cancer.

– Dr. Mike

 

Early Life

I grew up in sunny California, USA, in a Catholic family that was big on weekend church services and daily prayers. My parents were proud of my achievements in both academics and athletics. I played football in high school and was your average American boy. But let’s be real – while I was a top student, my extracurricular activities weren’t exactly what you’d expect from an ideal Catholic boy.

Growing up with dogs in a big yard, I developed a deep love for animals early on. This passion, combined with a growing interest in science during my undergraduate studies, led me to pursue veterinary school after graduation.

Faith Journey

During veterinary school, I drifted away from the church and explored various religions, trying to find my path. I always believed in Jesus, but I wasn’t attending church regularly.

Family Illness and Faith Return

Early in my veterinary career, my father became sick with chronic health issues. While I always remained close to my parents, it was this illness that led to moving my parents to the town where I lived. At that time, I began to attend the local Catholic church where my parents were parishioners. My father passed in 2004.

My Mother’s Passing

On February 3rd, 2011, my mom attended church, listened to her favorite priest in mass, and then went to help with Bible study. She collapsed in Bible study and was rushed to the hospital. I was called by the hospital while working at the veterinary clinic. The doctor told me my mom suffered a likely fatal stroke and I needed to get to the hospital quickly. I arrived, and she was in an ER bed with the priest and her best friend by her side. While she could not move, I knew she could hear me. The doctor told me there was nothing they could do as she had a deep massive brain hemorrhage.

My mother was moved to a room in the hospital. She had the rosary from her home bedside in her hand. I noticed that every few moments, her fingers moved one bead. She was saying the rosary. I spoke to her, and she had enough strength to open her left eye briefly. Then, as I held her hand, she proceeded to move her left hand, giving me hope. She placed the rosary in my hand and never moved again. Her blood pressure began to drop, and she passed within minutes.

Rediscovering My Faith

For years, I attended Catholic church regularly. Then, my girlfriend invited me to The Shoreline Church in San Clemente, California. The smell of donuts and coffee, familiar faces, and a live band playing beautiful music made me feel like I was home. Pastor George Hulse’s passionate sermons had me hooked. I knew this was where I belonged.

The Day I Found Out

As a veterinarian, I treated many pets with cancer. Little did I know, I would soon be on the other side of the exam table. On April 8th, 2021, I found a tumor in my dog’s skin. Diagnosing him with an aggressive Mast Cell Tumor was the beginning of my own cancer journey.

Routine lab work revealed my PSA levels were alarmingly high. After retests and consultations, on Cinco De Mayo, I had a prostatic biopsy. On May 12th, 2021, my girlfriend and I received the devastating news via Zoom – I had high-grade prostatic adenocarcinoma, Gleason 9. The doctor didn’t offer much compassion, leaving me feeling hopeless.

The Dark Moment

I turned to my girlfriend, hugged her, and told her I needed some time alone. Everything went black, and I found myself sitting on the floor, strumming my guitar to calm down. My thoughts went to my three kids downstairs. How would I tell them? What would I say?

The Birth of Faith Over Cancer

But amidst the darkness, a light began to shine. My faith, which had been a constant yet quiet presence in my life, became my guiding star. I realized that this journey wasn’t just about battling cancer; it was about embracing faith, finding strength in vulnerability, and sharing my story to inspire others.

This realization led to the birth of Faith Over Cancer, a community dedicated to supporting those affected by cancer through faith, hope, and resilience. Each day, I’m reminded of the strength and resilience within us, and I’m grateful for the support and love from those around me.