Mike Snyder A Loss of A Fighter, A Warrior, A Wonderful Person
It is with a broken heart that I report to you the passing of my dear friend and founding foundation board member: Mike Snyder. In his case it was not chondrosarcoma that took his life but he passed away from a second heart attack this past Saturday, April 26. He was in the process of recovering from his first cardiac arrest in February and he reported to me days before he passed that he was feeling stronger.
I first became acquainted with Mike in May, 2020. I was watching the local news and saw a report about a man from Albuquerque, New Mexico obtaining his cancer medication for chondrosarcoma (AG120) remotely for his participation in a clinical trial during Covid. I was impressed and wanted to meet Mike. I found him on Facebook and after a few exchanges we talked on the phone and learned we had a lot in common. We both worked in the broadcast business; Mike worked as a Broadcast Engineer for the local PBS Station in Albuquerque, we were born the same year and grew up in “dare we say.” New Jersey.
Mike and I became instant friends. I asked Mike to join the Chondrosarcoma Foundation Board of Directors and without hesitation he agreed. Mike has contributed articles, commentaries (see link below) helping guides, participated in board meetings and patient advisory meetings and shared his patient journey to help CS patients navigate through the medical system, helped patients struggling with chondrosarcoma and helped pharmaceutical companies improve their clinical trials. Mike wrote a book entitled: No Treatment Options Left: Fighting and Surviving Inoperable Cancer, that chronicles in detail his journey with Chondrosarcoma (available on Amazon). Mike has struggled with chondrosarcoma for the past 19 years, starting with a leg amputation. He attributed staying alive for the past 11 years from his participation in clinical trials (Tibsovo and INBRX 109). He fought hard to make positive changes for all CS Warriors and has made a difference and will continue to do so. Mike Snyder is my hero. Hehas been a trusted friend, a mentor, and a pioneer.
https://csfshayna.org/navigating-care-and-treatment-of-chondrosarcoma/
Two things that stood out about Mike that are worth sharing. Mike had an incredible love for his wife Sarah, his son Nick and daughter Stephanie and he cherished his time with his family. And second, no matter how bad things were in his life, in the face of pain, even recently, Mike had a great sense of humor and would always smile or laugh. He never complained about his pain, his battle with cancer which started with endometriosis at age 6. I could always count on Mike to consul and offer comfort to newly diagnosed patients, especially to those needing to make a decision about amputation. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Mike for the unselfish contributions he made to make life better for Chondrosarcoma survivors.
Quoting Mike: “Having a rare cancer shouldn’t mean a patient has to settle for limited treatment options. Being a part of the Chondrosarcoma Foundation has provided me with a way to give back to research and funding to ensure other chondrosarcoma patients are given the same opportunity I’ve had to find an effective drug. Effective treatment means a chance to live life on your terms, not cancer’s. ”
Mike Snyder will be missed.
