A resident of Duryea, Michael passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.  He was 43.  Michael was president of Joyce Financial Group, and was well-known across the region for his loving ways.  The thousand-plus friends who attended his memorial service are a testament that his life was spent helping others and that there was never one person who came to him for assistance that he turned away.

It was that selflessness that led to the formation of the Miles for Michael Event held on Saturday, June 17, 2006. Throughout his 14-month battle with head and neck cancer, Michael never asked anything for himself, but asked his friends to provide support to other families who might not be as capable of handling the financial burdens of long-distance treatments.  Although the original goal of the Miles for Michael Event was $10,000, more than $100,000 was raised.  A large portion was given to the American Cancer Society – Wyoming Valley Unit for cancer research, and $50,000 went toward establishing a permanent fund within The Luzerne Foundation.

Addressing the needs of cancer patients and their families, this Fund will provide support for unexpected expenses such as travel, lodging, food, gas, and tolls that will help families to remain with loved ones during treatment and recovery.