Fundraiser scheduled Saturday for Phelps man battling cancer

A benefit to help a local man and his family cover the costs associated with a recent cancer diagnosis is slated for this Saturday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. in Conover.

Mike Trollan of Phelps was recently diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer after experiencing an increase and severity in his heartburn symptoms.

According to his wife, Regina, he noticed food was becoming difficult to swallow and he was also feeling full all of the time. After putting off a trip to the doctor, he started being more affected by the food blockage symptoms which were damaging his quality of life.

After a fruitless trip to his nurse practitioner in May where he was diagnosed with nothing more than indigestion, the family decided to take further action.

“This instantly didn’t seem right, so we made another appointment down in Marshfield,” Regina explained. “(We’re) glad we did because that doctor scheduled an upper and lower endoscopy which were done on June 30. That was the day we got the news of the cancerous mass in his esophagus.”

Since receiving that diagnosis, pet scans have shown lymph node involvement and Mike was informed he was in stage 3.

Now, looking toward the future, Regina is concerned about medical bills which are already beginning to accumulate.

“Treatment hasn’t even started yet and medical bills have piled up,” she said. “Mike has no short-term disability option through work and is looking at a long road to recovery once treatment can finally begin.”

Mike grew up in Land O’ Lakes and graduated from Northland Pines High School. His wife, Regina is also a North Woods native, growing up in Phelps. The couple have lived in Phelps since 2002 and have a 15-year-old daughter, Adrienne who attends Phelps High School. They also have a 23-year-old son named Parker who currently resides in Appleton and is also a Phelps School District graduate.

Mike works at J&Z Overhead Doors in Conover.

Fundraising efforts

Buckatabon Lodge Clubhouse, located at 5630 Rush Road in Conover will host the Sept. 20 fundraiser starting at 1 p.m.

The day will include a variety of raffles, including bucket, meat and 50/50, along with other fun activities. Tickets to use Buckatabon Lodge’s swimming area are available at a cost of $20 each, with half of all ticket sales going back to the family.

Food will be served and a cash bar will be open for those 21 and older. All proceeds from the event will help support the Trollan family.

Any local businesses that would like to donate raffle items or individuals who can’t attend the event but would like to support the family should call Dawn at 262-269-9104 for more information.