Mike Trinidad, 51, has faced cancer not once, but twice — something only 1% to 3% of cancer survivors experience. Yet Mike never let that hurt his spirit.
A second-generation Filipino, Mike is a resident of Peachtree Corners and works in the energy utility industry. His only known family cancer history is his grandmother, who died from throat cancer at age 65.
In 2004, 31-year-old Mike received devastating news that he had stage 1 testicular cancer.
“It was scary, to say the least. My career was just taking off, and my wife and I were enjoying our newly married life,” Mike said. “But I decided to rely on my faith rather than my fear and saw it as a test of my strength. I knew the experience would ultimately be a way I could help others.”
The next few months included surgery, radiation and countless doctor visits. After a challenging journey, Mike emerged with a new perspective on life.
“I learned not to focus on what I couldn’t control, but rather the things I could control — such as how I acted,” he said. “I learned not to live life with regrets, that everything happens for a reason, and the ups and downs in life are what take you to the place you’re in today.”
Following his first bout with cancer, Mike knew he had to keep himself as healthy as possible. He made changes to his diet and lifestyle — including picking up running.
But in 2024, in a cruel twist of fate, Mike received a second diagnosis: bladder cancer. Armed with experience from his first battle, Mike decided to approach his diagnosis with determination and hope.
“My first thought was ‘Here we go again,’” he said.
At the time of his second cancer treatment, Mike had recently started a new job, had a daughter and had a brother-in-law who was going through his own cancer journey.
“Unfortunately, my brother-in-law did not beat cancer, but he never gave up hope,” Mike said. “His experience reminded me that perspective is everything and keeping a positive attitude can make all the difference.”
Mike went through 12 sessions of chemotherapy over the course of seven months with Dr. Akansha Chowdhary at Atlanta Cancer Care. Today, he is once again cancer-free.
Mike sets reminders for each of his cancer anniversaries to encourage himself about how far he has come. He continues to live an active lifestyle and moves his body whenever possible.
His first time back in his running shoes was in June 2025 at the Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation’s Feather’s 5K, supporting the very oncology team that was with him throughout his second cancer journey.
“I hate running and I hate training, but I love the race,” Mike said.
His next move in his health journey was running the Peachtree Road Race on July 4, a tradition he has always loved and had to let go of last year when he received his second chemo treatment the day before the race.
This year was his 10th time running, and he did so in honor of those who physically can’t.
“I look over at those on the sidelines cheering the runners on — children and hospital patients facing much tougher battles than me — and I feel grateful to be in the position I am in today,” Mike said. “I will continue to use my experience to promote gratitude, mindfulness and resilience for as long as I live.”
Learn more about Northside Hospital Cancer Institute and additional resources.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
