Over $33K Raised For Former LITH Police Officer With Rare Cancer

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — After 20 years in law enforcement, longtime Lake In The Hills police officer Mike Domagala stepped down last month amid ongoing treatment for Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer.

Domagala, a married father of four children, was diagnosed with cancer in July of last year after several tests, including a pelvic biopsy, two bone marrow biopsies, MRI scans and more, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the Domagala family.

Throughout 2020, Domagala underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. And although his health has improved, he still requires maintenance therapy, which consists of a daily chemotherapy pill and a monthly "bone healing transfusion," according to the campaign.

Domagala first became an officer in 2002 when he joined the police department in Fox River Grove, according to the campaign. A decade later, he took work in Lake In The Hills.

As for what is next: Domgala said he doesn't know.

"I have no idea what I am going to do but I will figure it out as this is still sinking in," he wrote. "People always asked what I would do after police work and I said, 'Welcome to Walmart' as a joke. Maybe it is going to be true....lol. Again, thank you to all who have donated, said a prayer or reached out to me and asked if my family and I need anything."

The campaign had raised $33,435 of its $50,000 goal as of Thursday. According to organizers, funds raised will go to medical treatments and expenses.

"Mike's greatest concern is in continuing to provide for his family while he covers all of his uncovered medical expenses," the campaign's organizer wrote. "The funds raised will go directly towards his medical expenses, travel expenses for treatments and to help his family with everyday expenses through this difficult time."

The American Cancer Society identifies multiple myeloma as a "relatively uncommon cancer," reporting approximately 0.76 percent of Americans will develop it in their lifetimes. Estimations indicate 2021 will bring with it some 34,920 new cases of the disease.

While it can be difficult to diagnose multiple myeloma early, the cancer society reports routine blood tests are the best way to screen for the disease.

The American Cancer Society offers resources for people having trouble finding and paying for treatment.