The Story Of Mike Kosziwka, A True Hero In The Fight To End Cancer

Our Dad, Mike Kosziwka was born on February 26, 1932 to Ukrainian immigrants, George and Polly Kosziwka. Dad was the third born of 7—5 boys and 2 girls. He was raised in Saskatchewan and moved to Ontario when he was 17 to find work.
It was in Toronto where he met his future bride, Matilda “Tili” Mayo. They married and raised 5 children, and were blessed with 13 Grandchildren and to date 4 great-grandchildren. Before his 75^th year, Dad had survived a heart attack and three Cancers—Thyroid, Colon, and Prostate. So we can say with certainty that Dad was a fighter and survivor. Dad was diagnosed with his fourth Cancer—GBM in October 2016.  It was explained to us after Dads diagnosis that surgery wasn’t usually an option after the age of 84 but because Dad was in excellent physical shape and otherwise good health and had an awesome support team—the doctor’s words, not ours—surgery was an option if that’s what Dad wanted.
It was no surprise to any of us that Dad opted for the surgery—in Dads on words “I don’t have a choice if I want to see my 85^th birthday”. Surgery was performed by Dr. Kis at the Jurvanski Cancer Centre in December 2016. A successful surgery was followed by Radiation and then Chemotherapy.
We had a wonderful 85^th birthday celebration with Dad where we presented him with a book from his Grandchildren entitled “85 REASONS WHY WE LOVE OUR GRANDFATHER”. Dads determination, fight and love for his family had helped him reach his goal of CELEBRATING his 85^th birthday. As most of us are aware the prognosis for those diagnosed with GBM is grim. We believe that Dad was very aware of this but chose to fight to live. Our father succumbed to GBM on April 4, 2017. It wasn’t a long fight but one that Dad met head on with all of the courage, strength and faith with which he had lived his entire life. We all miss him every day but his legacy lives on in the family that he helped create and the many lives that he touched.

We’re honoured to have this incredible family in our corner and we’re always looking for more people ready to take on the fight and if you’re interested please Contact Us or Join The Fight!

Together we can end cancer once and for all!!

Defeat Is NOT An Option!

About Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year round initiative carried out by ambassadors, sponsors and volunteers worldwide.  Funds raised by FTEC are donated directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  Each year we celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication of our FTEC family with a black-tie charity boxing gala.  This gala showcases 10 men and women who represent our Official Fight Team.  More About Us or Join The Fight!

Media Contact:
Jennifer Huggins
Executive Director
Phone: +1.416.666.9314
Email address: pr@fighttoendcancer.com