Michael Brewer enjoyed a lifetime of good health, until he was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease in 2013. Two years later COPD followed, then prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones. Chemotherapy has stopped working, and his diagnosis is terminal. Now he’s set to live life to the fullest.
Some of his bucket list goals include flying a helicopter, meeting Eddie Van Halen, learning to play guitar and maybe read “War and Peace,” but most important is building family memories.
Today, he was able to mark off one of those wishes when Eddie Van Halen (who had a long bout with tongue cancer, himself) called him via FaceTime.
Michael’s wife Julie shared the story and photos today on Facebook when they were able to chat with Van Halen.
“Soooo…this just happened! Eddie & his wife Janie were simply Amazing! Felt like we were sitting and chatting with a close friend! Thanks to Eddie & Janie Van Halen & everyone at LCFH [Lower Cape Fear Hospice] for making Michael’s dream come true! Eddie still has the best smile”
Star News Online reports one reason the Brewer family is sharing their stories with media was to remind people of how critical regular health screenings are.
“I think guys need to be a little smarter around their health,” Michael said. “Get out there and get tested. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Michael hopes people stopping putting off the fun things, too.
“This photo melts my heart!” — Julie Brewer