In memory of Michael T. Vesey
April 11, 1959 – August 28, 2009
"Keep the Faith"

My husband, Mike, was diagnosed with a GBM January 4, 2006 at the age of 46. Unfortunately, we lost him after a near 4 year courageous, inspiring battle. He was a loving and devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.

Mike fought his disease with everything he had. Throughout his battle, he demonstrated unbridled determination and strength and tremendous faith in God. He was blessed to be surrounded by loving, compassionate family and friends and to have received a tremendous amount of support and prayers. His mantra throughout his battle was “Keep the Faith.”

Although the past years have been filled with sadness, fear, and anxiety, they were also filled with many blessings. Our faith in God has grown stronger and deeper. We have witnessed the tremendous thoughtfulness, compassion, and generosity of not only people who know and love us, but also of people we did not know very well, but who simply just wanted to help. We have made many new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Mike was an extraordinary man. Although his life was cut short, he accomplished many things and helped many people. When describing Mike, many are reminded of a quote from the movie As Good As It Gets --“you make me want to be a better man” and Mike was one of those people who made you want to be a better person. Mike will be forever missed by his four young children, his family and friends, all his friends and associates from Orleans Homebuilders where he worked for over 20 years, and by me.

We will be forever grateful to the team at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University for their expertise and dedication. The entire staff is empathetic, compassionate, experienced, educated, and driven. They gave us precious time with our beloved Mike.

Kelly Vesey