Welcome to Michael Herb's Fundraising Page

I remember the day I got the devastating news: the day that I learned that I would have to have brain surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. I was only 12 years old at the time. Thoughts raced through my mind. Would I ever be able to play sports again? Would I spend the rest of my life in a hospital? Would I die? It was a lot for my 12 year old mind to handle. After months of meeting with the doctors and planning everything out for the surgery, the day finally arrived. I was anxious going into the hospital but I felt like everything would be fine. Fast forward to today. One more surgery and many more visits to the doctors, but I am proud to say that I am happy, healthy, and tumor-free.

 

I was one of the lucky ones. A benign brain tumor that only required 2 surgeries, no chemo or radiation. Some months without sports but here I am 12 years later, a police officer with the Houston Police Department. No health restrictions; no medications; no adverse effects from the surgery (unless you count the fashionable scar on the side of my head). My story is one of success and a triumph to how far the medical field has come today. But we still have a deadly killer out there. Leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma is taking a child’s life every ten minutes.

 

On that note I want to share a story with you. Back in my home state of New York, I learned of a very sick young girl who has leukemia. Erin, who you can see in the picture, is currently battling through the tough treatments and the many trips to the hospital. You would never know that by looking at her picture though. She is a very tough young girl! When our relay ride comes up in 2010, I will be dedicating my ride to Erin. I want to help her beat the leukemia so that she can enjoy a happy and healthy life. That is where I need your help. Please consider donating to the HPD relay team so that we can help knock out these blood cancers. Your donations will help to ensure that children like Erin can beat these diseases. Help turn Erin’s life into a success story just like mine.