In memory of

Michael "Mike" B Hakeman

Fairview Park, OH

January 13, 1962 - August 23, 2023

Jan 13, 1962 - Aug 23, 2023

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Please consider a donation to Mike's Cancer Care & Family Relief Fund.

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In memory of

Michael "Mike" B Hakeman

Passed

August 23, 2023
Born

January 13, 1962
Resided

Fairview Park, OH

Photo

Please consider a donation to Mike's Cancer Care & Family Relief Fund.

$8,750.00

total raised

Learn more & give

How you can help

On October 23, 2017, Doctors discovered a large tumor that had developed throughout Mike’s sinuses, extending and pushing onto his brain. After being transferred to RUSH University Medical Center, we learned the rarity of his diagnosis, Undifferentiated Sinonasal Carcinoma, which accounts for less than 1% of all known cancers. Mike’s brilliant Oncologist and team administered one of the most aggressive forms of chemotherapy available to slow the cancer’s progression. After months, this allowed surgeons the opportunity to remove the mass from his intracranial cavity. Mike underwent an extremely complex and grueling surgery, which lasted more than 12 hours and was conducted by some of the World’s best Neurological and Otorhinolaryngology surgeons (and their teams). Following surgery, he began acute rehab at JRB Rush Rehabilitation Center, followed by Warren Barr Rehabilitation Center. He undertook the formidable task of relearning basic functions, such as walking, speaking, and feeding himself; all tasks his doctors were unsure he’d be able to regain. During the same period, Mike embarked on a rigorous 30-day radiation regimen to address any microscopic cancer cells that may have still existed post-surgery. This was the first of many treatments his skilled Radiation team would support him through over the years. Remarkably, in a matter of months, Mike progressed from painstakingly transferring himself in bed one centimeter at a time, to triumphantly climbing the therapy stairs and celebrating his achievements like Rocky Balboa, amazing all of his therapists. He continued ongoing therapy at home and at Outpatient Rehab.

Knowing this journey was far from over, Mike and Val returned to Cleveland to be closer to family. Despite the distance, they persisted in making the journey back to RUSH Medical Center in Chicago to receive treatment from Mike's exceptional medical team, who specialized in his condition. Despite his aversion to hospitals, Mike held his doctors in the highest esteem, recognizing their expertise in his life-saving interventions. He endured an extensive regimen of radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, trial medical treatments, and more… all aimed at buying him precious time with loved ones. His battle was far from easy, but he consistently defied medical predictions and general expectations. Refusing to be defined by his illness, Mike rarely voiced complaints. He remained true to his character, always finding ways to inject humor and uplift others with his jokes, irrespective of the pain and exhaustion he endured. He was determined to create a sense of normalcy in his and his loved one’s lives. His resilience is attributed to the unwavering support and perseverance of his family, friends, and medical team.

Amidst his struggle, Mike cherished witnessing Bricen's wedding and welcoming his new daughter-in-law and her family into his own. Treatments additionally allowed for him to celebrate both Samantha and Brent's college graduations, and all three of the children’s accomplishments within their careers. Even in his final years, friends and colleagues lauded Mike's innovative thinking and intellect, noting his invaluable contributions to their businesses. The countless stories Mike’s friends and former colleagues told about him being “the smartest in the business” and “Your Dad was a smart, smart guy!” were, and are, heartwarming for his family to hear.

In lieu of flowers or planting trees, the family greatly appreciates any memorials be made to Valerie Hakeman at https://everloved.com/life-of/michael-hakeman/. Any contributions will help alleviate a portion of the exorbitant medical and travel expenses incurred commuting to RUSH Medical Center in Chicago during Michael’s six (6) year battle. The family intends to allocate a portion of the proceeds to support other families battling Undifferentiated Sinonasal Carcinoma, which accounts for less than 1% of all known cancers.

Thank you again to everyone who has supported us throughout the years, and especially Mike’s incredible medical teams at RUSH. We are eternally grateful for the compassion, care, and time you’ve provided our family. Mike’s will to live and the medical expertise of RUSH allowed us to make more memories with Mike that we’ll cherish for a lifetime. Contribute

Thank you so much for everyone's love and support during this difficult time. Losing Mike has been very difficult, but hearing the countless stories Mike’s family, friends, and former colleagues tell about him "changing people's lives," or being “the smartest in the business,” and “Your Dad was a smart, smart guy!” are heartwarming for us to hear. Mike didn't always share the positive impact he was making on or in people's lives, so the more you can share with us on this site, the more we can learn about his life and cherish his positive impacts on others.