Michael “Mike” Kattness, a Peachtree City resident since the early 1980s, moved to Alaska early in 2007 to pursue a promising employment opportunity and to “see the glaciers before they melt.” Unfortunately, even though the job front was going well, he was diagnosed in June of 2007 with advanced stage multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow. It is typically diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70, while Kattness is only 35-years-old. This cancer is not curable, but is treatable in the short term. His ongoing treatment plan includes progressive chemotherapy to be followed by a donor bone marrow transplant, hopefully followed by remission.

Kattness did not qualify for employer-sponsored health insurance at the time of diagnosis, as he hadn’t been employed long enough. He did qualify for Medicaid and it has helped cover many expenses, but there are many expenses that are not covered now and while he undergoes the transplant.

A medical fund has been established to help Kattness and his family. Anyone can donate to the “Kattness Cancer Fund” at any Bank of North Georgia location in Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Tyrone. Also, a fund-raising yard sale will be held on June 6 and 7, with all proceeds going directly to the medical fund. The targeted expenses are those associated with his bone marrow transplant and 90 days of recovery and temporary living and travel while in Seattle.

The yard sale will be hosted by Mindy Exline and Amanda Burger, Peachtree City residents, at the Stoney Brook Plantation clubhouse on Friday, June 6 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 7 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Anyone can donate items to the sale by calling Ms. Kattness at 770-487-5607.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all who have given their support to the family in many ways, including air miles, transportation, contributions both in time and money and especially prayers. The family members belong to the Peachtree City United Methodist Church and asks that you please keep them in your prayers.

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