Drink for Those Who Can’t: A Benefit for the Lonon Fami

Are you a coffeeholic?  Do you like a big glass or bottle of wine at night?  You're not alone. My first stop of the day is a ginormous Caribou Coffee latte and I'd be lost without it, let alone my wine or martini come 5pm.

Now imagine not being able to drink any of your favorite beverages.  How about not being able to eat your favorite foods?  That is the life of a Head and Neck Cancer patient and, sadly, of our friend Mike Lonon.  Now 31 years old, Mike has been battling stage IV Head and Neck Cancer for the past two years and endured 13 surgeries currently leaving him without the ability to eat drink or speak. 

As his diagnosis unveiled, Mike was forced to give up foods he loved, his occasional beers, even his Café Mochas.  He has remained on a feeding tube since his last surgery with hopes of eventually regaining swallowing capabilities, but it has been a slow, painful process.  Now on Long Term Disability (a 40% salary reduction), doctors don’t expect him to return to work for at least a year.  The situation is further magnified when facing the holidays with a wife, young son and baby girl on the way.

We all know the holidays are about thanksgiving, joy and celebration.  We also take for granted the ability to celebrate and the luxury of festivity…the Halloween candy, pumpkin spice lattes, thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cookies and eggnog and wine, glorious wine.  Let's just say, Mike would be happy to never see another can of Ensure ever again. 

So this holiday season, when you’re drinking your favorite beverage, think of those who can’t. Donate what you can.  We promise you’ll feel warm and fuzzy inside.