Steve CrandallSince April, Mike Tag has battled complications, treatments and an unforgiving disease with his chin up like a true champ.

Mike's ability to stay positive throughout this tough time is partly because of his strength in character, and also because of the support of his family, friends, and the overwhelming outreach from the BMX community. On behalf of Mike, he asked me to try and convey how grateful he is and how unbelievable and impacting this has all been to him, and how thankful he is. As many of you may know, Mike is a man of few words as it is, and has been spending a lot of time in hospitals and at home resting, so here and and now, I say thank you to everyone for Mike and his loved ones.

Earlier this week, Mike celebrated his 37th birthday. In addition, he just finished a second round of intense chemotherapy, and is about to continue, as his treatments have not yet eliminated the sickness. As Mike makes a continued push towards beating this disease, we too are continuing our support for Mike, with new events, benefit products and fundraisers.

Steve CrandallQuintin Hats is offering a limited edition Mike Tag hat, due out in a couple of months, with the proceeds going to help Mike.

Quintin Hats is offering a limited edition Mike Tag hat. Mike Ardelean and Rob P. offered to design and produce a hat due out in a couple of months, with the proceed's going to help Mike.

On November 19, we are working with Ben Jones and Joel Barnett at East Shore Skatepark in Ithaca N.Y. We will be hosting a jam, as well as an art show, with BMX photos on display, with all proceeds going to benefit Mike.

Steve CrandallAitken's personal ride will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Mike Tag.

One of the features of the event in Ithaca is a raffle we will be doing of Mikey Aitken's personal Fit Series 3 bike that he donated to Tag's benefit. The bike in itself has a heavy story behind it -- it's the same bike that Mike crashed on in October of 2008 and left him in a coma. Instead of perceiving the bike as a token of bad luck, Aitken views the bike as a story of triumph.

According to Aitken, the bike "represents the spirit of BMX, overcoming the odds when stacked against you in life-threatening situations," and stands as a symbol of recovery and gratitude for all of the people that have helped with medical bills and moral support in Mike Tag's battle. In other words, it's a symbol of hope.

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Steve CrandallKeep Fighting The Good Fight

Later that evening, bands will be playing at the Rhine House, at an informal afterparty. The Rhine House is a bar In Ithaca that Mike Tag started working on with two partners before he was diagnosed. It's also where Mike hangs out when he is feeling well enough to shoot pool and listen to chatter from the Ithaca locals.

We are asking everyone to keep Mike in your thoughts, and visit the Fundraiser website or Mike Tag Benefit Facebook page to donate funds or send best wishes. Every little bit helps. We also hope to see you in Ithaca, N.Y. next weekend. Thank you all.