Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Team Michael Moyles is a grass roots team of athletes who raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, supporting cancer research, advocacy, and awareness. The LanceArmstrong Foundation is a licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Full financial disclosure, annual reports, Form 990, and IRS Determination Letter are available at http://www.livestrong.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Strength/Financial-Information.

Who is Michael Moyles?

Michael is a husband, father, and brother. He is an Air Force officer, motivational speaker, teacher, and photographer. He is also a three-time brain cancer survivor and multiple marathoner. After suffering a concussion during a basketball game in 1999, doctors discovered a large tumor growing in his right frontal lobe -- after months of test and scans, it was diagnosed as oligastrocytoma, simply a fancy word for brian cancer. The average survival rate is 6 years, 8 with surgery and other treatment. Michael was 27.
Michael fought, and beat the cancer. After major brain surgery to remove the tumor, he fully recovered -- only have have the cancer return a few years later, larger and more aggressive. Another surgery, this one followed by a year of chemotherapy -- and Michael was in remission again, but not for long. Six months later, the cancer returned for a third time. Ten more rounds of chemotherapy didn't stop the cancer. With few options, doctors basically removed the entire right frontal lobe, then referred Michael to the National Cancer Institute, where he endured 42 rounds of combined chemotherapy and high-dose directional radiation. The procedure was a success, and has so far eradicated the cancer -- but it also destroyed much of Michael's skull, and created radiation-induced infection. He went back to NCI, where a neurosurgeon removed about one third of Michael's skull, then treated him with six weeks of IV antibiotics, and referred him to a plastic surgeon who reconstructed Michael's skull with plastic prosthetics.
Throughout this entire ordeal -- 11 years long so far -- Michael continued to work full-time, serving in the U.S. Air Force. He also became an avid runner, completing multiple marathons, two of them while on chemotherapy and one of them while on radiation. Each time, Michael ran the race to raise awareness and raise money for cancer research. He has since run dozens of races and raised tens of thousands of dollars for the National Brain Tumor Foundation, the American Brain Tumor Society, the American Cancer Society, and many other organizations. He is also a frequently-requested motivational speaker. Shortly before he was diagnosed, he got engaged to the woman who is now his wife, Angela, who has stayed by his side through all the surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, and has even run a few races with him. In 2008, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Ellie.

What is Team Michael Moyles?

Team Michael Moyles is a wide range of supporters -- a few friends. A few relatives. Michael's next-door neighbor. A co-worker and running partner. A few high school classmates Michael hasn't seen in over 20 years. No matter the relationship, each team member has been touched by Michael's story, and wants to be a part of solution -- running, walking, biking, raising awareness and raising money.
After raising money for various organizations from 2001 - 2009, Michael partnered with the Lance Armstrong Foundation (Team LiveSTRONG) in 2010. The LAF provided support, logo sponsorship, and numerous other resources to make the fundraising process easier. Michael's brother-in-law Clint, a graphic designer and co-founder of Team Michael Moyles, has picked up design, webmaster, and technical support responsibilities. Together, Michael and Clint have expanded the team to fifteen members, and have set an repeat goal of raising $10,000 by December 2011.

Can I join the team?

Of course! If you are touched by Michael's story and want to help, you're welcome to join the team. All we ask is that you pick a race and help us raise money -- spread the word to your family and friends, and ask them to "sponsor" you -- a dollar a mile, two dollars a mile, whatever they would like to contribute. You don't have to run marathons or do triathlons. You may have never run a race before. It doesn't matter. If you want to help the team reach their goal, we'll add you to the roster, add you to the website, and give you all the tools you need (including training tips and plans) to run your race and raise money.

How can I contribute?

Making a contribution is simple -- just click on the red "Donate" button at the top of this page! Cash donations and checks are also possible, either follow the instructions on the LiveSTRONG team page or send a note to michaelmoyles@hotmail.com and we'll give you instructions.

Where does the money go?

Team Michael Moyles's fundraising is all funneled through the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Team LiveSTRONG. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, The Lance Armstrong Foundation has a very well-respected and closely controlled fundraising program, and makes financial accountability and transparency a high priority. Founded in 1997, since that date they have raised over $325 Million dollars for cancer research, with 81 cents of every dollar going directly to survivors and research programs. For financial disclosure statements, audits, and other detailed information, please go to http://www.livestrong.org/What-We-Do/Our-Approach/Where-the-Money-Goes.

What if I want Michael to speak at my organization?

Michael is available as a motivational speaker, and has spoken at civic groups, businesses, churches, races, and various other events. He can tailor the message to both secular and religious groups, anything from a short 10- or 15-minute talk to an hour-long presentation. The message can cover everything from a simple personal story to a message of perseverance, overcoming suffering, creating a fitness-based lifestyle, how to beat cancer, survivorship, or a number of other topics. Michael speaks for free -- he only asks for help with travel expenses. If you'd like to know more, hear sample presentations, or determine if Michael's message is right for your organization or event, please send your inquiry to michaelmoyles@hotmail.com.