Michael also underwent his fourth round of chemotherapy on Monday and has two more rounds to go.
Four days after major lung surgery, the brave 12-year-old is breathing easier. The last few days brought rough moments — a sudden fever, a racing heart, and pain that would overwhelm most adults.
But Tuesday morning brought better news. Michael is off oxygen and working hard to rebuild his lung capacity. In true Michael fashion, he even made time to visit the hospital’s kids’ zone.
He’s still on three antibiotics, with his final dose scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. If all goes as planned, he could be heading home Wednesday.
For his family, that word, home, carries enormous weight.
Michael’s journey has been one of remarkable resilience. He’s thrown out the first pitch at a Braves game and found comfort in Blanche, his emotional-support dog who has stayed by his side through countless difficult moments.
He’s fought through relapse, endured a leg amputation, and conquered physical therapy while still cracking jokes with nurses. He even found a way to dominate arcade basketball on one leg.
On Monday, he wrapped up his fourth round of chemotherapy. Despite nausea, phantom pain, and long hospital days, he keeps showing up with that same spark.
Michael has two rounds of chemotherapy left. His family is asking for continued prayers for strength, endurance, and complete healing.
He’s a fighter, but he’s also just a kid who wants to feel like a kid again. And today, for the first time in a while, it feels like he’s getting closer.
