Mike Tilley Nation
Since we were founded in 2022, Mike Tilley Nation Foundation has been dedicated to raising awareness of Young Onset Colorectal Cancer, what symptoms of Colorectal Cancer to look out for, and advocating for yourself to get screened.
There is no genetic risk for Colorectal Cancer in Mike's family and prior to getting diagnosed at the age of 30, he had not heard much about Colorectal Cancer. When he was experiencing symptoms, he went to the doctor and asked his primary care physician if he could have colon cancer. He was told, "No, you're too young."
After getting diagnosed, Mike made it his mission to make sure none of his friends or family members get colon cancer and to encourage young adults become an advocate for their own health
Currently, it is not recommended that you have a colon cancer screening until you are 45, but if you have symptoms you should talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy or another form of colon cancer screening.
Michael passed away on August 29, 2022 but Mike Tilley Nation is continuing to spread his mission, teaching others how to advocate for themselves and to #FightLikeMike.
Michael Dulaney Tilley
December 25, 1990 - August 29, 2022
Michael Dulaney Tilley, 31, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, died August 29, 2022 in New York, New York.
Michael was born December 25, 1990, in Fairfax, Virginia to Doug and Cinde Tilley. He was one of four children: twin brother to Ryan, younger brother to Christopher and older brother to Jessica.
Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Ellis and Mary Ellen Dulaney Stern and step-grandmother Madelyn Toadvine Reed Stern. He is survived by his wife Sarah Davis Tilley; his parents of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania; his brothers Ryan (Megan) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Christopher (Ashley) of Mechanicsburg; sister Jessica of Mechanicsburg; niece Lucy Louise Tilley; nephew Wesley Michael Tilley; aunt Alison Wood (Lee) of West Chester, Pennsylvania; uncle Joseph Tilley (Karen) of Boyds, Maryland; cousins Alex Tilley of Boyds, Maryland; Sara Tilley of Washington, D.C. and his paternal grandparents Joan and Doug Tilley of Wilmington, Delaware.
A 2009 graduate of Trinity High School in Camp Hill, PA, Michael attended Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA and graduated in 2013. While at Susquehanna, Michael was an active leader in both the Susquehanna Men’s Rugby Club and the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Following his graduation from Susquehanna, Michael obtained his Master’s degree in Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.
Michael’s professional life took him to many places, but most notably to Manhattan, New York, where he worked in corporate retail for Ross Stores and met the love of his life, Sarah. Upon his return to Central Pennsylvania, he worked as the Director of Construction Administration for TKS Architects, where he was his sister’s boss.
As a standout athlete, Michael excelled on the rugby pitch (more so than his brothers) in high school, college, and internationally in New Zealand. In addition to his love of competing on the field, Michael was a rabid fan of all sports and an avid supporter of his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, Oklahoma Sooners, and the New York Yankees. Michael would like the New York Yankees to fire Brian Cashman if they do not win the World Series this year.
Animals were a big part of his life. Growing up on a farm, he was raised to love animals of all shapes and sizes, including dogs, cats, and horses. He leaves behind his cherished cat, King “Mister Man” Carson.
The family thanks the staff of Memorial Sloan Kettering for their care of Michael while he waged his brave battle against Stage IV Colon Cancer.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to the Mike Tilley Nation Foundation (miketilleynation.org), Michael’s cancer foundation to raise awareness, promote self-advocacy, and support early screening for colorectal cancer.
He was a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be remembered and missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
