Michael Foulkes

Michael Foulkes (Mike)

June 21, 1967 – November 25, 2015

Michael Foulkes passed away after a rich, fulfilled but too short life on the 25th Nov 2015, 18 months after the diagnosis with cholangiocarcinoma.

Mike was the beloved and wonderful husband of Maureen Murphy, treasured brother of Heather Ives, and cherished friend and family member of so many. Mike loved to be in the mountains and in nature; climbing, cycling, hiking and camping, as well as delving into the inner life of building self-designed renewable energy products and reading. Mikes positive, patient, uncomplaining nature, belief in the chance to survive and strong will to live made it much easier for us all to find joy, hope and inspiration despite the uncertainty. His kindness, humility and generosity will be sorely missed.

Professionally Mike was also a project manager and chemist who himself worked at a large pharmaceutical company developing new cancer medicines.

We created hope to go on, because everything is possible, and enjoyed the life we had. One time we found hope because of the Cholangiocarcinoma.org website; by chance we read a blog about a woman who received Pembrolizumab in a clinical trial whose tumors shrank. This was our best hope, we believed it could work, and we bought the medicine ourselves after unsuccessfully requesting compassionate use from the company. The first CT scan showed stable disease and we were so happy, and the second one showed progression, which was devastating.

We do still believe that the immunotherapy drugs will become a real chance for Cholangiocarcinoma patients in the future, and we encourage companies to stick with the intention to extend them to this, as yet, untreatable cancer. The cholangiocarcinoma foundation helps by enhancing understanding, funding research, collaboration and education.

Please consider making a contribution to this important cause in Mike’s memory. We, his family and friends thank you for support in whatever way you choose.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, contributions may be directed to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation below.

Please note that this form uses PayPal to process donations.

If you wish to donate by phone, please call (888) 936-6731 and speak with Laurie Kikel. If you wish to donate by mail, send check to:

CCF – In Memory of John Doe
5526 West 13400 South, #510
Herriman, Utah 84096  USA