Michael Jeremiah O'Connor, 52, passed away on May 18, 2022, after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. A grateful heart, a loving spirit, a willingness to help others, and a true and lasting friend are the traits that highlight Mike's personality. His work in air conditioning and refrigeration was his talent, and his work ethic earned him the respect of co-workers and customers alike. He took pride in his work, but his greatest pride and love was for his three surviving sons, Shane, Brendan, and Gavin.
I met Mike in 2007 and it was love at first sight. He had the most amazing personality, so handsome, the greatest sense of humor and he loved unconditionally, especially his three sons. I never knew then how much Mike would change my life for the better. But I also wasn't prepared for what was to come. In 2020 Mike started to not feel well and was having abdominal/back pain and thought it was work-related. He eventually went to the hospital due to the intense pain; however, nothing was found and he was sent home and started to see a chiropractor. During this time he was losing a lot of weight too. Not too long after, he was back in the emergency room with excruciating pain. During that hospital stay he was diagnosed with diabetes. We thought, ok, that’s manageable. Unfortunately after some tests were done we soon found out that it was pancreatic cancer. The whole world seemed to stop, mine did, but Mike was so strong. He underwent chemo, radiation, and had a Whipple procedure. He was a true fighter and never complained once. Mike was willing to do whatever he could to beat this disease and assured us he wasn’t going anywhere. He was excited to start a new life cancer-free and we were all excited to be on this new journey with him. Unfortunately, the cancer came back. He put up a heck of a fight with more treatments, but the cancer was too far gone and had spread to his liver. May 18, 2022 Mike lost his battle to cancer. I lost my best friend, the boys lost their dad, and his siblings lost a brother. Our hearts will never be whole again. We were all robbed that day of spending the rest of our lives with our favorite guy by our sides.
Mike was loved by everyone he met. Mike was also very lucky to have such a great, loving and supportive family. Sean, Maureen, Kay, and Eileen were by his side all the way and gave him around the clock care. They took time off from work and helped with everything and anything. We couldn’t have done it without them and I personally think that’s why Mike was with us as long as he was. He had such a great attitude and positive outlook that was directly related to such great family and friends around him.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with the lowest five-year survival rate at just 11%. The cause of most pancreatic cancer is unknown and there is no early detection test for it, it’s often referred to as a quiet killer. Few treatment options are available. Surgery is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Right now it is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
In honor of our loved one, I’m supporting PanCAN’s vision to create a world in which all patients with pancreatic cancer will thrive.
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