In May of 1995, the venous circulation to my left leg suddenly stopped and I was rushed to the hospital.

I was 33 years old and competed in all sorts of sports all my life. At the hospital, it was learned that clots had obstructed the venous flow completely, but they did not know how or why. After multiple biopsies, surgeries and diagnostic tests, it was concluded that there was 15 cm tumor surrounding my abdominal aorta and vena cava and the tumor had strangled the vena cava at the bifurcation to my left leg.

The tumor was malignant, but unidentifiable and was referred to MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Center in Houston, Texas. There, they identified it as a P.N.E.T, or Primative Neuro-Ectodermal Tumor, a Small Round Cell Sarcoma and underwent extensive chemotherapy for 3 1/2 years.

I was not expected to survive the cancer and was given less than 20% chance of survival. I returned to MD Anderson after the cancer was reduced and had it removed, contrary to the doctor's belief. There, they performed an abdominal aorta graft at what they call the triangle, where it splits down to both legs.

Although I had a disability, I lived a relatively normal life until August of 2007. That is when my life made a permanent and drastic change. That aorta graft performed in 1998 suddenly clogged up and I needed emergency surgery. I spent the better part of 10 months in the hospital having bypass after bypass because I kept rejecting the grafts.

They again said I would not survive. I truly believe there is a purpose for everyone on earth and although I may not know what that purpose is, I will serve a purpose. I began writing down my story and want to share it to help anyone who may be going through serious health issues.

I may be bed-ridden, but as long as I have my mind and my faith, I have life.

Mike Moya