In memory of Christopher Michael Brick

Mike Brick was an awesome father, husband, son and brother, a rock 'n roller, a NY Times reporter, an author of books, a pretty good tennis player(!) and a man who lived life fiercely and fully. He was honest, yet kind. Brilliant, but modest – he'd rather be asking questions than pontificating on things, big or small. Mike had a biting wit that could make everyone around him in a subway car crack a smile or a laugh, something I witnessed several times when visiting him in NYC.

Mickey and I met in high school, and almost instantly, he was like the older brother (admittedly not much older, but wiser by leaps and bounds) I never had. He's the one I would burden with questions I didn't feel I could open up to anyone else about, but he never made me feel like he didn't have the time or the inclination to listen. There was an immense trust with Mickey, and I know others had that deep bond with him, as well. I feel to try and describe everything about him and the life he lived would not do his story justice – wouldn't come close. (The New York Times penned a fitting obituary here.)

We lost Mike to cancer in 2016. He fought bravely for about a year, but cancer won that fight. He was a young man ... much too young to face the fight of his life. I still miss him every day, and I'm not alone. He had such an impact on the people who knew him and loved him. I've never quite been able to put his loss in any kind of perspective, to the point I've stopped trying – it still feels kind of like a bad dream, and it's still raw. But those negative and sad thoughts were not what Mike was about. He'd tell me to stop wallowing and start DOING. 

So, I've been involved with Tony Foundation since we started it in 2017, and I think Mike would be proud to see how many families we've helped. Families where one of the parents, like him, is facing the fight of their lives. The financial hardship that comes with that fight adds to the stress and worry that should be the LAST thing a cancer patient needs to focus on. It's a cruel part of the cancer predicament, and it's very real and difficult, especially when you're trying to raise and support a family while dealing with a health crisis. 

How Tony Foundation Helps

That's why Tony Foundation provides direct financial assistance for families whose primary income earners, in their most productive years, have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to continue employment. According to oncology professionals, income is the #1 need for the majority of patients and their families during the toughest battle of their lives. We seek to Make an Impact on these patients by helping to eliminate this financial burden so the patient can focus on what's most important, their health and their family.

Our founder, Tony Laudadio, faced this very predicament – first, when he was diagnosed in his 20's, with renal cell carcinoma – and again, two years later, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer (completely unrelated to the renal cancer). He understands the struggle of facing a sudden battery of tests, treatments and surgeries, while being unable to continue his career due to cancer. Immediate expenses pile up quick, adding to an already intense level of stress and worry.

So, through the holidays, I'm raising money in memory of my buddy. Cheers to you, Mike, and cheers to all of you who are able to help support this mission. My deepest thanks.

Scott Patterson

(Below) A few of the more than 140 families Tony Foundation has helped thanks to our donors' generosity..

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HELPING US CHANGE LIVES!!