Mike’s Miracles continues

He was just 12-years old when he lost his battle with cancer. But Mike Vandendool left a legacy that most of us would envy. As Lauran Sabourin tells us, the St. Catharines boy launched “Mikes Miracles” in the days before he died. The charity is devoted to helping other kids with cancer that Mike felt were less fortunate than him.

If there was a way to celebrate the life of Mike Vandendool it’s through the game he loved best.

Beacon Christian School Principal Ralph Pot: “The event is about getting to know other students from other schools and enjoying a day of soccer in Mike’s memory.”

Tuesday marked the sixth annual soccer match in Mike’s memory at Beacon Christian School in St. Catharines. These students were only six when mike died. But they know about him and his legacy.

“He wanted everybody to be included. That’s was really important to him.”

Mike was fighting cancer. Dealing with a lot of pain. But through all of that, Mike launched his charity “Mike’s Miracles.”

Sid Bakker is from Covenant Christian School: “Isn’t that amazing. That’s a person’s personality right?”

Mike’s parents, Terri and Brian, are so proud of their son: “Mike’s passion as he was going through his cancer journey was really to help other kids. We continue that work by encouraging kids to make a positive difference in other people’s lives.”

Six years later Mike’s friends like Samantha Bowman and Joe Vanderkuik still carry that torch: “Just keeping in mind how Mike lived and how selfless he was. And how he always thought of others make us want to keep that going.” “I think Mike would love the fact that we are all still are coming together to participate and help out in this tournament.”

Mike’s Mom Terri is impressed by his friends: “The fact that Mike’s friends are still standing by. Here each year faithfully helping us to fulfill his wishes and dreams.”

Before he died Mike gave his parents each a necklace and pendant engraved with his photo and the words “Strong together, forever.” Terri and Brian wear these necklaces every day.