Mikey's Way Foundation

On March 29, 2004, just two days after his 15th birthday, Michael "Mikey" Friedman of Easton, CT was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive cancer. While being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Mikey was granted a Make-A-Wish. Mikey wanted his wish to make a long-lasting difference for those less fortunate than him. His extended stays in the hospital inspired him to help other pediatric cancer patients cope with the mental strain associated with long-term treatment. Mikey used his Make-A-Wish to distribute interactive games such as Sony PSP and Nintendo DS systems along with laptop computers and other electronic devices. He wheeled his "Connection Cart" down the hallways of the pediatric oncology floor of the hospital and personally handed out gifts to each child there. And so the Mikey's Way Foundation was born. These hospital visits came to be known as Mikey's Way Days. Mikey took great joy from his Mikey's Way Days knowing that the devices he distributed would allow other young patients to escape from the misery of treatment like he did. In October 2008, while a sophomore at Harvard University, Mikey lost his battle with cancer. His Foundation carries on, however, under the leadership of his father, Les Friedman. Our mission remains the same: to enrich the lives of children suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses. The Foundation strives to create CONNECTION and DIVERSION to help children face the emotional and physical hardships of long term, debilitating treatment. To date, Mikey's Way has served over 5,000 children in hospitals across the country. We depend on private donations to provide the means to carry out Mikey's mission. For more information, check out our website at www.mikeysway.org