THUNDER BAY – When life stares you in the face, and sends a message that scares you, most people would retreat in fear. Not Michael Antcliffe. Antcliffe is a Thunder Bay man who started a Facebook movement last spring with his “I Owe Michael Antcliffe $10” campaign to raise money for the Northern Cancer Fund. Antcliffe has taken the writing that he did on Facebook and compiled it all into a book, whose title was taken from the first note that he wrote, “You’ll Never Guess Who’s Dying From Cancer.”
Those seven words caught the attention of over 4,000 Facebook users and have led to the raising of over $10,000 for the Northern Cancer Fund.
The official book launch will take place at the Chapters on Memorial Avenue on Saturday, April 14th, 2012 from 11:00AM until 4:00PM.
Antcliffe, who has just returned from a difficult trip to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, posted on his wall last Tuesday evening, “Well everybody, today was a tough one, no doubts about that. Tough news to get, especially with someone you care so much about sitting at your side. But I’ve had worse news, and I’ve made it through tougher days. I’m still here. It isn’t the first time a highly-trained medical professional has suggested that I put my affairs in order, more accurately the third time, I believe. I’m still here. This is the fourth type of drug they’ve given me that worked for a while, and then became ineffective. I’m still here. It is however the first time a doctor has come out to find me in the waiting room and stated, ‘Hey, i just Googled you. Good work.’ Still here! Good night guys, sleep well. I plan to.”
It is Antcliffe’s ability to face each new piece of bad news with both determination and optimism that has attracted such a loyal following on Facebook.
The tremendous response, in addition to an identified need for funds dedicated to helping fill the gaps in the care of people reaching the end of their battle against cancer, inspired Antcliffe to start his own Foundation, Comfort Care for Cancer.
Incorporation of the not-for-profit is still in progress and, until that process is complete, all profits will go to existing organizations. All profits from the Book Launch Event on the 14th will be going to the Northern Cancer Fund and Antcliffe is also continuing his fundraising for his Relay for Life team, Agony of Da Feet of Cancer.
For more information about Michael Antcliffe, the book launch on the 14th, or Comfort Care for Cancer, please visit www.michaelantcliffe.com.