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Community News: Michael Tatalovich Fundraiser

Dear Friends and Community Partners,

As 2014 rolls along, we are often reminded of how precious and vulnerable time is. As most in our community are familiar with the Josh Stevens Foundation, and their “Be Kind” message that inspires us all to spread kindness and heartfelt acts of love, some are unaware that the Coronado High School class of 2014 would have been Josh’s graduating class. The motto of the foundation from its start has been, “Genuine kindness born in the heart of a child deserves celebration.”

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It is with this celebration in mind that I would like to tell you about one of Josh’s classmates, Michael Tatalovich. Michael is also the true epitome of kindness, love, generosity, and hope. Michael is a senior at Coronado High School, graduating with honors, with the admiration from staff and faculty alike, and with lots of love and respect from his fellow students. In May of last year however, Michael and his family’s world was turned upside down. Michael was a stand-out athlete and a member of the State Champion Coronado men’s volleyball team, when a pain in his hip led him to consult his doctors. The diagnosis: Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer that had infiltrated his femur. After months of treatment, chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, and ultimately a partial hip replacement at 17 years old, Michael is battling to make a full recovery. However, all of this treatment has left the family with a huge financial burden and the stress of huge medical bills.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Michael since he was just an elementary school boy, being raised in the neighborhood that our families still reside in today. I can say without hesitation that he has always been one of our family’s favorite neighborhood kids. Michael is always upbeat, always polite, always respectful, always there for his family and friends whenever needed. He’s just your all around wonderful American boy. I am proud and honored to be writing this letter on behalf of a wonderful young man, his family, his friends, and the entire community.

We are asking for your help and support.  We are holding a fundraiser for Michael and his family on May 5th, 2014 at 6pm at the Coronado High School men’s volleyball game vs. Basic HS.  We are asking for donations of money, gifts/gift cards for drawings during the game, time to be volunteered, or any other way you could possibly help the cause. All donations will go to help ease the burden of Michael’s cost to fight cancer. This community has been incredible in raising great kids like Michael and Josh; kids that truly understand what it means to be loving and kind. Now we want to help as a community, to ensure that Michael has what he needs to win his toughest battle yet.  Please find it in your heart to donate and to come out and celebrate a remarkable young man.

If you are unable to attend the fundraiser PLEASE make all donations at http://www.gofundme.com/7n4u9k.      
Checks can be mailed to: 2311 Tilden Way Henderson, NV 89074 
Questions: 702-274-8271

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Yours Truly,
Dr. Gene & Lori Garlick

                                                                                                                                         

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