Mike Bragg: “Leukemia & Lymphoma Society saved my life”
By JEFF JELLISON
Reporter Publisher
More than 126,000 people in the U.S. currently live with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a typically slow-moving blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and then progresses to the blood. CLL is the most common form of leukemia in adults.
Locally, lifelong Noblesville resident and businessman Mike Bragg is bringing attention to the disease and aiding with raising funds to offset treatment costs and assist with research.
Bragg is in the running for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year, a 10-week philanthropic competition for leaders in local communities to raise funds that support LLS programs. Selection is based on funds raised for LLS.
“My fight with leukemia began November 2013,” said Bragg.
Bragg is the General Manager for Tom Wood Volkswagen in Noblesville and a 1980 Noblesville High School graduate.
In talking about being diagnosed with CLL, Bragg said. “Many do not experience symptoms for a few years. Over time, the cells grow and spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.”
Bragg’s diagnosis came after doctors noticed an elevated white blood cell count.
“I thought I was invincible,” he said. “I lived thinking nothing would ever happen to me. Then the doctor told me I had cancer. The diagnosis ripped me apart emotionally.”
Bragg also described the toll chemotherapy took on his body.
“It was horrible for me,” he said. “There were times that I just wanted to die; however, through friends, family and faith I was able to fight through it.”
Noblesville graduate and local businessman Mike Bragg is making a difference in raising money to help fund leukemia and lymphoma research and programs. (Photo provided)
After chemotherapy, Bragg remained healthy for about five years.
In 2019, he began experiencing symptoms. “My white blood cell count increased well above normal, I lost my appetite and began having pain in my spleen … I did not want to put my mind and body through chemotherapy again. That’s when I found out advancements in attacking CLL improved dramatically.”
Bragg’s doctor told him about a new medication that replaces traditional IV chemotherapy. The drug’s name is Venetoclax, an oral medication used to treat CLL. Venetoclax is often prescribed with Rituxan which is used to aid the patient’s immune system.
“I was very excited not to go through chemotherapy again,” Bragg said. “Then I learned the cost of the treatment would be thousands of dollars per pill. I would need several pills a week. My wife and I struggled trying to figure out how we would pay for the medication. We had a son at home and were paying for college for our other children. We were on the verge of selling our home to help offset the cost of the medication. That’s when the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) got involved to help with the medication expense.”
Today, largely due to the advancement in treatment, Bragg appears to be leukemia free.
Bragg is now involved with the fundraiser to make sure others have an opportunity to win the battle against cancer.
He’s raising funds and seeking community donations to help fund the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. All money raised is donated to LLS for use in research and offsetting cost of medication.
“LLS saved my life and I want to give back,” he said. “Every dollar helps.”
Bragg also is making himself available to mentor others who are diagnosed with CLL.
“Not everyone has a supportive family like I had,” he said. “Some don’t have friends to support them in the fight against this disease. I just want those people to know I’m here and always willing to support them however I can.”
To learn more about Bragg’s fundraising effort or to make a donation visit pages.lls.org/mwoy/in/indy21/mbragg. All Man of the Year donations must be received by April 29.
To contact Mike Bragg, call (317) 853-4576 or email michael_bragg@tomwood.com.