This summer our chapter was struck by the news that one of our brothers, Mike Bakutes, will be on medical leave this Fall Semester. He was found to have a tumor in his jaw. Mike was diagnosed with Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma, which is a rare and aggressive tumor that could have quickly spread to the rest of his mouth and possibly further. He has just completed the majority of his surgical treatments to remove the tumor and now faces months of recovery. In the next few months he will face a few facial reconstructive surgeries to help regain most of the function he had before his major surgeries. Despite the grueling process, which Mike is still going through, he has optimistic hopes of returning for the Spring Semester.
Mike is more than just a brother of our fraternity. He is loyal friend and a young man widely respected by the University of Miami community. Those who have had the opportunity to get to know him have grown to love his warm and optimistic personality. He is a positive influence around our fraternity house as well as the University. While we were all in shock, we all care deeply for Mike and are were not willing to sit idly by.
In his honor, we held a volleyball tournament entitled, "Spike For Mike." It was a great success and we look to continue the tournament anually, during the Fall Semester. We raised over $7,000 and will be making a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the Bukutes Family's honor. Next year, the proceeds will likely go 100% to a charitable organization which will be determined at a later date. If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament in the upcoming year, please contact Gabe Adelman.
We cannot extend our gratitude to the University of Miami community enough. The support we have received in our efforts has been incredible and we could not have done it without you all.
We would like to specifically thank the Stop and Shop, Xtreme Tees, ShareSigmaChi.org, Red Bull, and Muscle Milk for the support.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns.
