WDRB Hidden Hero: Shirley's Way covers expenses for cancer patients

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There are a number of charities that work to raise money for cancer research, but one Louisville man has a different approach.

"I just decided that somebody's got to make a difference," said Mike Mulrooney, who founded Shirley's Way.

Mulrooney brought a room full of brightly colored t shirt-wearing supporters together.

The blunt slogan they advertise grabs your attention: Cancer Sucks.

"And that's usually what people say when they talk about cancer," Mulrooney said. "They shake their head and say 'cancer sucks.'"

Elaine Loney was diagnosed with breast cancer that eventually spread to her brain.

As her medical bills piled up, so did her LG&E bills and her mortgage.

As if the stress of cancer wasn't enough, then came the stress of how to pay for it all. And then she met Mike.

"He came to my house, introduced himself and after a 10-minute conversation handed me a check for over a thousand dollars and said do whatever you need with it," said Loney, who is now in remission.

Tammi Poole, was in the midst of an entire home renovation project when she was diagnosed. Her home literally didn't have any walls.

No walls and cancer. And then Mike stepped in.

"He said, 'hey we're going to give you a $500 gift card to Lowe's to get this done so that your home will be whole for you to fight your battle,'" said cancer survivor Tammi Poole.

The organization Shirley's Way helps everyday cancer patients with everyday expenses.

"They need co-pay money, or they might need TARC money to get to their cancer treatments," Mulrooney said. "Or they would have to chose between heating for the day or buying their medications to survive."

The cause hits close to home. Mulrooney's mother is Shirley.

"She opened her eyes one last time, took her last breath and that was it."

Shirley lost her fight in 2013, but her son is taking on the next round.

"Actually today is the one-year anniversary of my mom's death," he said.

The Becker Law Office and WDRB recognized Mulrooney as the Hidden Hero for the month of March.

"I was just blown away by the generosity," Loney said.

"I have a very hard time accepting, I'm usually the do-er. So coming from Mike and coming from Shirley's way, it really means a lot," Poole said.

Our Hidden Heroes receive a $500 dollar check from the Becker Law Office.

To nominate someone for the award, click here.