Bolivar’s Mike Gross uses bad situation to do good

Not many people plan memorial events named after them while they’re still living. But then not many people are Mike Gross.

Diagnosed with terminal cancer a little over a year ago, Gross is working with the owners of the Canal Street Diner in Bolivar to establish a Mike Gross Memorial Chicken Barbecue that will live on and help others even after he is gone.

“You don’t stop just because you’re sick,” said Gross. “You’ve got to stay strong and never give up.”

The benefit, which is schedule to take place in late summer or early fall next year, will be a fundraiser for an area individual who is in need for any reason. 

“We haven’t ironed out the details yet, and we’ll probably ask people to apply, but it can be for any reason that someone needs help. They don’t have to be sick.”

Anyone who knows Gross will attest that giving back is nothing new to him. 

“He always puts other people in front of him,” said his wife of nearly 37 years, Vickie Gross. “He’s always there to help out whoever—it could be a complete stranger. Everyone loves Mike. He can’t pump gas without talking to the person getting gas at the other pump.”

His generous nature has made an impact in the Bolivar community and beyond and has earned Mike Gross countless friends. When he learned about Brynn Goedel’s multiple surgeries and anticipated lengthy recovery after the Tusky Valley bus accident in 2023, he held his own fundraiser for her.

In just four days’ time, Mike Gross was able to visit Goedel in the hospital and hand her a check for $23,000.

“I told them, this is not for hospital bills,” said Mike Gross. “This is for her to buy a car or to go have fun.”

Let’s rewind

Mike Gross said a cough had been bothering him for about two years. Doctors would treat it with a steroid, it would improve a bit, but inevitably return. 

Frustrated, in May 2024 he decided to go to an urgent care center and demand an X-ray. 

The radiologist there said, “Mr. Gross, you have a tumor in your lung the size of a tennis ball.” 

Later, an oncologist confirmed the unwelcome news.

“He said it’s small cell, stage four lung cancer,” said Mike Gross. “Its inoperable.” 

Mike Gross said he told the doctor he wanted aggressive treatment. “I’m not going to let this run my life,” he said.

When the owners of the Canal Street Diner heard Mike Gross was sick, they sprang into action, holding a benefit that raised nearly $22,000.

“We wanted to give back to Mike because he has given to so many people,” said Kayla Patton, co-owner of Canal Street Diner.

Fast forward

The cancer has spread to Mike Gross’ lymph nodes, spine, shoulder and as of four months ago, to his brain. 

“They may want to do a surgery in the brain and deaden all the nerves, just so I don’t have the pain,” said Mike Gross. “When that time comes, I have a special coin I’ll flip to make the decision.”

That coin was given to him from his sister, Cecilia, to help him keep the faith.

For now, Mike Gross is packing as much into every day as he can, continuing to go hunting and pursue other activities with his grandson, Kayden, even to the point of exhaustion.

“He’s definitely a strong man,” said Vickie Gross. “That’s how he’s always been. He’s my rock.”

Mike Gross asked that anyone wishing to contribute products or services to the first Mike Gross Memorial Chicken Barbecue call him at 330-209-7978.