Newly married and ready for a vibrant life, Mike’s world was changed forever after being diagnosed with mesothelioma at just 29 years old.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos that most often affects people 65 and older. So when 29-year-old Mike Mattmuller was told he had mesothelioma in 2011, the news came as a shock.
“When you get a mesothelioma diagnosis, your world just shrinks…everything online is so scary, and it’s such a rare disease.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor
He and his wife, Jessica, had barely celebrated one year of marriage, but they were determined to fight the disease together. Mike went on to survive mesothelioma for 9 years, giving him precious time as he welcomed a daughter, Riley, and advocated for an asbestos-free future.
Read about Mike’s journey through treatment, survivorship, and advocacy.
Newlyweds Face a Shocking Diagnosis
Newly married, Mike was working as a civil engineer in Maryland and looking forward to sharing a life with Jessica. When he began experiencing shortness of breath, he didn’t think much of it — until his symptoms worsened and he developed lower back pain.
What started as a quick trip to urgent care for a precautionary X-ray turned into something far more serious. The scan revealed pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs. In that moment, a routine procedure suddenly changed the course of his life.
“At first, we were in total shock and denial. Mike was 29 years old at the time. How could he possibly have this weird disease that affects older folk?”
– Jessica Mattmuller, wife of Mike Mattmuller
The diagnosis was jarring for the young couple, especially since mesothelioma usually has a difficult prognosis (health outlook). Still, they decided to face it head-on, holding on to the hope that Mike’s youth and the strength he’d built from years of sports could give him a fighting chance.
Read other stories of survival like Mike’s in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.
Mike’s Treatment Journey to Becoming Cancer-Free
Once the shock of his diagnosis began to fade, Mike knew it was time to act. He and Jessica threw themselves into learning about mesothelioma and the different treatment options available.
With Jessica by his side, he traveled to Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where they met with Dr. David Sugarbaker, a world-renowned mesothelioma specialist. After weighing the options, he recommended an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), an invasive surgery that removes the affected lung and nearby tissue.
“When I first had my surgery, I had to actually stay out there for an entire month… paying for a mortgage back home plus paying for an apartment in Boston was quite stressful.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor
Shortly after the procedure in May 2012, he achieved complete remission and was declared cancer-free. For a young couple who had been bracing for the worst, the news brought immense relief.
Easing Financial Stress With a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Even as Mike made progress medically, the financial strain of mesothelioma treatment loomed large. Travel costs, hospital stays, and months of recovery added up quickly.
To lighten the load, Mike and Jessica turned to Simmons Hanly Conroy for help filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against the manufacturers responsible for Mike’s asbestos exposure.
“Our lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy helped us out when nobody else would. They care about you. The people who are working on your case are just as concerned about your well-being as they are about what’s going on with the case.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor
The compensation they received from their lawsuit allowed them to pay their medical bills and provide for their daughter’s future.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our legal partners can see if you’re eligible for financial compensation. Get a Free Case Review today to get started.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Advocating for an Asbestos-Free Future
As the years went by, Mike felt a responsibility to speak out for others facing mesothelioma. He wanted the world to understand that this disease wasn’t just an “old man’s cancer.”
“Mesothelioma is considered an old person’s disease. When you get smacked in the face with somebody as young as me, it’s a wake-up call. People don’t realize asbestos isn’t banned — they think it has been. And that’s the scary part.”
– Mike Mattmuller, 9-year mesothelioma survivor
That wake-up call fueled his activism. Together with Jessica, Mike joined the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), where he told his story on Capitol Hill, spoke at international conferences, and in 2017 was honored with the Alan Reinstein Award for advocacy. Their goal was to protect not only their daughter’s future but also the millions of others at risk of asbestos exposure every day.
He also gave his energy to Miles for Meso, a race held every September to raise awareness and funds for mesothelioma research. Even when his health was uncertain, Mike showed up — encouraging others, building community, and proving that survivorship is possible.
Leaving a Legacy of Support for Other Mesothelioma Warriors
Mike was a shining light of hope for the mesothelioma community until the final moments of his life. In April 2020, after bravely battling mesothelioma for 9 years, Mike passed away.
He had the spirit of a warrior and a passionate advocate, continually motivated by the love and support of his wife and daughter. Countless others were positively impacted by his story, including mesothelioma specialists, fellow patients, and families who drew strength from his courage and advocacy.
“Mike was such a warrior. He took precious time away from his family to get the message out that asbestos kills and new legislation was needed to save lives. I am in awe of him.”
– Dr. Raja Flores, mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital
Get Support After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming and life-changing. Yet, as Mike and Jessica’s story shows, it is possible to face this cancer with strength, hope, and the support of others who understand what you’re going through.
We’ve witnessed how powerful hope and encouragement can be in helping patients through treatment and recovery. That’s why our team is committed to walking beside you and your loved ones every step of the way, offering personalized medical guidance, financial assistance, and supportive care.
Connect with us now at (866) 608-8933 or get your copy of our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide to read more inspiring stories of resilience and learn how others have found a path forward.
