In May of 2008, on his 40th birthday Michael Vinecki was diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of prostate cancer. Michael has four children; Yukon, Winter, Magnum and Ruger. He’s married to an incredible woman, Dr. Dawn Estelle.
This Christmas things are not easy for Michael and the family. The cancer has not responded well to all of the treatments so far, and they could use a prayer or two, and a note if you can comment here. The greatest gift we can all give to them is to let them know they’re not alone at the holiday season.
Please comment here and we’ve set this up so the family can read every comment. Thank you all. Have a happy, healthy holiday.
To see what Winter is trying to do for her Dad see: http://vimeo.com/1853805
- Scott and the team at Athletes for a Cure
I’m so proud of your brave family! I know all too well what it’s like to fight alongside a family member for his/her life, and you are doing a beautiful job. I will keep you in my prayers throughout this holiday season, both for health and for strength to keep up the fight. You are not alone!
Merry Christmas!
Jessica
By: Jessica on December 18, 2008
at 9:47 pm
Michael, Keep your chin up and keep fighting! I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers. And to WInter … amazing! Kudos on a job well done!
By: Spurgeon Hendrick on December 18, 2008
at 9:59 pm
Heard about ya’ll from @athletes4acure on Twitter. My dad had colon cancer and has been cancer-free 15 years now. A big part of his healing was community. So, here’s a whole lotta love and support from the blogosphere!
By: Stephanie Quilao on December 18, 2008
at 10:45 pm
We’re thinking about you here in Santa Monica, CA! Thanks for being an inspiration to us all.
By: Shavaun on December 18, 2008
at 10:53 pm
Thinking of yall. Peace and continued Strength to your family.
By: Lance Armstrong Foundation on December 18, 2008
at 10:56 pm
Dear Michael, Dawn, Winter, Magnum, Yukon and Ruger:
The love and caring that you share with each other and the world is a true Christmas inspiration–your selfless spirit is a gift to us all. May this season bring you peace and fill you with the warmth of family and friends.
I am blessed to know you all and keep you in my prayers.
Dan Zenka
PCF
By: Dan Zenka on December 18, 2008
at 11:05 pm
Sending our prayers out to Michigan . . .Our prayers are that you and your family feel that warm feeling in your heart . . . because that’s our thoughts and love sent from BZ Corners, for each and every one of you! We think of you everyday and are so blessed to have had you walk into our lives . . .! There is a reason and purpose for everything.
Nate and Heather Herbeck
By: sportsgrants on December 18, 2008
at 11:48 pm
You have all been so strong and so brave – you are a true inspiration! Best wishes this holiday season. You have my support and admiration now and in the future.
By: Kris Litz on December 19, 2008
at 12:12 am
Michael,
Keep up the fight. Rock on and LIVESTRONG.
By: Mike Craycraft on December 19, 2008
at 12:26 am
I’m thinking of all of you this holiday season. Last year I spent Christmas with my Mother in a hospital while she fought her life following massive surgery to save her from a spreading cancer. I know how hard it is and I want you to know that you’re not alone. Be present every day, every second and breathe.
Happy Birthday Winter. It was really cool to meet you and your Mom in the restaurant in White Salmon last Tuesday. I’m glad I had the chance.
With Metta,
Cassie
By: Cassie Nobbs on December 19, 2008
at 12:59 am
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you! Winter is an amazing blessing as I am sure all of your children and family are… For that you are a very rich man. Please savor every moment!”
Michele Flamer
By: sportsgrants on December 19, 2008
at 1:01 am
Merry Christmas to all of you! I’ve been following your blog since I found it in February after my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My thought and prayers are with you all, what an amazing family you have!!!
By: Colleen on December 19, 2008
at 3:15 am
Dear Vinecki Family… you will be in my prayers. Stay strong and continue to lean on each other for support and love!
Winter… you are so inspirational! The video made me cry it was so inspiring and moving. I posted a link to your Team Winter page on my website and hope to help you raise awareness and funds.
By: Just_Kelly on December 19, 2008
at 4:19 am
Thinking of you all this holiday season.
We are you keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
With warm aloha.
Linda Bless
By: Linda on December 19, 2008
at 7:22 am
What a wonderful family you are. Blessings to you all. Stay fast. Know joy. Continue the love.
By: kkinnan on December 19, 2008
at 10:27 am
We wish you the best this Christmas,you are in our thoughts & prayers. Much love to the Vinecki Family.
By: Julie on December 19, 2008
at 1:33 pm
Happy Holidays to you guys.
Take a minute or two this season to think back on all of the challenges and how they have made you stronger and how they have brought you closer together as a family and to the family in the cancer community.
Best Wishes to you guys and LiveStrong!
Dave, Kara and Kyle Deschens
By: The Deschenes Family on December 19, 2008
at 2:35 pm
“My thoughts and wishes go out to you. It is amazing to see so much strength in such a hard time.”
-Rob Bart
By: sportsgrants on December 19, 2008
at 2:51 pm
“We are all with you! Prayers to you and your family… Emerson”
By: sportsgrants on December 19, 2008
at 2:51 pm
Michael, Dawn, Winter, Magnum, Ruger and Yukon: It was a pleasure meeting you all in September at the Athletes for a Cure Triathlon. The teamwork, determination and love that your family has shown to the world through Michael’s battle with prostate cancer has been incredible. I will continue to pray for you all everyday, and please know that I will continue to do everything I can to spread the word of Team Winter, Athletes for a Cure and Prostate Cancer. We will beat this disease!
Merry Christmas! Peace.
Ryan Link
By: Ryan Link on December 19, 2008
at 4:31 pm
We are all thinking about you here at Triathlete and Inside Tri.
Good luck and God Bless
By: John Duke on December 19, 2008
at 5:25 pm
Elizabeth Crepeau at 8:19am December 19
Kelsie, Hannah and I are thinking about you and praying for you!
By: sportsgrants on December 20, 2008
at 4:07 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
By: Keith Brown on December 20, 2008
at 4:07 pm
Teri Estep at 8:23am December 19
Incredible and touching and inspirational and humbling. Thank you for sharing this. I posted a link on my FB page, too… wishing Michael and the entire family peace and love.
By: sportsgrants on December 20, 2008
at 4:08 pm
Winter – you are an incredible young lady. I am keeping your dad and family in my prayers. Wishing you all much peace and love during this very difficult time.
I know first hand how heartbreaking it is to see a loved one fighting for their life. My aunt is battling Ovarian Cancer and we have all come back to her hometown to be with her this holiday season, which could very well be her last. Keep the faith and you’re in my prayers.
By: Jessica on December 22, 2008
at 3:09 am
my most positive of energies and well wishes are being sent to you with this missive. i shall keep sending my thoughts of healing and strength to you. keep it going…michael marckx
By: michael marckx on December 23, 2008
at 7:49 pm
Merry Christmas to all of you! I will be praying for your family and am posting the link to Winter’s page on my facebook. Winter, awesome job you are doing for your dad. I’m sure he is so proud of you. Stay strong! lynette rorer
By: lynette rorer on December 24, 2008
at 7:37 pm
Steve and I wish you a Happy Holiday season. I know it is very hard for you but with the wonderful and supportive attitude everyone has that is surrounding you, you have the greatest gift.
Nate Herbeck is our son and he has kept us informed about the activities of the family. He is proud to have worked with you.
Winter is a strong and determined young lady. She will make big changes in our world for the better.
You are in my prayers.
LouAnn
By: LouAnn Herbeck on January 5, 2009
at 5:49 pm