Michael Turner Page -- 1971-2008

As most of you may know Mike Turner past away recently after his battle with cancer. I wasn't going to post a journal entry about this, because I felt a lot of people that knew him much better than me, had already posted, and it wouldn't make much sense for me to add my two cents. As you can see I had a slight change of heart.

If you read this, maybe it'll make sense as to why. I'm sharing this, because I hope it'll make a small difference for someone else in the future.

Mike was a great guy. He had the amazing gift to make those around him feel like all that mattered at that moment was you, and that made him very special. More importantly, like many already said, every time I saw him, he had a smile on his face, and a super positive outlook. It was this amazing positive energy I think that made everyone feel as if there wasn't anything in this world that Mike couldn't tackle and come out on top of. Including cancer.

The last time I saw Mike was by pure happenstance. I was in the radiation unit at UCLA Medical Center because my mom had been diagnosed with cancer, and after having 7 inches of her aorta removed, she was going to continue her fight with radiation. I was in the waiting room absorbed in some forms, and my own thoughts and prayers, when I overheard a conversation just outside of my periphery. I was too engulfed in my own tiny world to pay attention to who was talking, but shortly thereafter, someone tapped me on my shoulder, and it was Mike. Mike and Peter had been at the unit, for what I assume was the same reason, and even though I knew that radiation could be a really tough deal, Mike immediately was all smiles. We exchanged a few words, and they left.

It was the last time I saw Mike.

My mom passed away about 3 months after that. It wasn't nice. It wasn't peaceful. It wasn't like the movies. It was real, with all the ugliness that it comes with.

As most people, I had no idea about cancer. I know a lot more about it today than most. When I was at UCLA I was told that 1 in 3 people will have some form of cancer in their lifetime... 1 in 3*. Let that sink in. And really think about it.

Be in a room with 3 people, and one of you will have cancer. Statistical fact.

The most promising cancer treatment on the horizon that I've seen is -

John Kanzius Cancer Treatment

Or contribute to the American Cancer Society in Mike's name.

American Cancer Society

So please do something. Give money, or volunteer. Just make a difference.



Lastly, if you can find it in your heart to share a bit with Michael's family, then please do. Let them know how much you enjoyed his work, or if you had the chance to meet him at a show, or just tell them you're sorry and you wish them the best. I know it may take just a few minutes for you to jot down a note, and send it out, but trust me, at a time like this, when there's nothing left to do, a few kind words makes a huge difference for his family --

Aspen MLT, Inc.
C/O Michael Turner
5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111
Culver City, CA, 90230


I promise you'll get a few extra karma points credited to your account.


* [link] while its based in the UK I think this is easily extrapolated into other countries if you study the graphs.