GIFT PLANNING
From Radio to Resilience
By Elizabeth Misson
A bequest in honor of Dr. Aaron Gerds, a Cleveland Clinic oncologist, was made by one of his grateful patients, Mike Buxser. | Photo: Marty Carrick
Born in Massillon, Ohio, which is about 60 miles south of Cleveland, Mike Buxser remembers Cleveland Clinic as a familiar backdrop, as his mother was a patient there for several years.
Mike Buxser and his wife, Carol, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
But after embarking on a 50-year career in radio broadcasting that saw him rise from announcer to general manager of seven radio stations, he eventually made his home in Charleston, West Virginia.
During a routine physical, his doctor told Mike there was “something wrong” with his blood. He was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a form of blood cancer that impacts about 12,000 Americans each year. After several referrals, he made the choice to seek care at Cleveland Clinic.
Despite some setbacks, including a progression to leukemia, he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant from his son, facilitated by the expertise of Cleveland Clinic oncologist Aaron Gerds, MD.
““I never felt for one moment that I wasn't going to make it,” Mike says. “From the day I met Dr. Gerds, I knew I was going to be OK.” ”
Mike Buxser
He credits three pillars for his resilience: his medical team; the unwavering support of his wife and family; and his faith. Today, Mike is watching his grandchildren grow up while enjoying retirement in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
In October, he’ll celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his lifesaving bone marrow transplant.
Mike worked with the Gift Planning team at Cleveland Clinic to explore ways he could help other patients. To show his appreciation for the care he received, he chose to make a bequest in honor of Dr. Gerds.
Mike also became a mentor through the Fourth Angel Program, which pairs cancer survivors with current patients to offer guidance and support to those facing similar challenges.
“I hope I’ve helped people, but I know they’ve helped me,” he says. “I’ve learned so many stories from other people. I’ve talked to them and gotten to be friends with some of them.”
Reflecting on the impact of mentoring, Mike acknowledges both the joy of helping others and the pain of losing mentees.
“We’re all part of this exclusive club that nobody wanted to join, and so what can we do?” he says. “I’m so glad I did it, and I’m so glad that they continue to use me as a mentor, because I’m one of the lucky ones. I was blessed.”