Michael “Fish” Fisher, a Navy veteran and the first licensed tattoo artist in Coral Springs, is fighting a life-threatening cancer diagnosis while working to keep his longtime tattoo studio from closing.
Fisher, 54, owns Levi & Lili Tattoo Company and has spent more than 30 years building a legacy in the South Florida tattoo community. In April, he was diagnosed with cancer after discovering a mass at the back of his tongue, following months of persistent throat pain.
The diagnosis came during an already difficult period. Fisher was in the process of relocating his shop to a new space at 9744 West Sample Road, but delays in obtaining permits left him unable to earn an income for months. By the time he reopened, he had exhausted his savings and maxed out credit cards to keep the business afloat.
Biopsies conducted at the Miami VA Medical Center revealed the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes. Although a recent PET scan found no further metastasis, Fisher is awaiting final approval from Veterans Affairs before he can begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments under a civilian oncology team in Margate.
“The plan was to run the shop until my eyes got too blurry, then pass it to my kids,” Fisher said. “Right now, I just want the chance to keep doing what I love.”
That dream, however, is in jeopardy. Fisher is the sole full-time tattoo artist at Levi & Lili. Without his daily work, the shop is unable to cover its operating costs.
“I’m the only full‑time artist at the studio,” he said. “If I can’t work, the shop can’t pay its bills.”
In response, friends, clients, and fellow artists have stepped in. A GoFundMe campaign launched by a close friend has raised $8,582 as of Tuesday—just shy of its $9,000 goal. The funds aim to help cover studio expenses and support Fisher and his family during treatment.
Fisher’s wife, who lives with multiple sclerosis, and their three adult children remain by his side, along with a devoted community that sees him not just as an artist, but as a mentor and friend.
Tattooing has been Fisher’s passion since he was inspired by his grandfather’s wartime ink from World War II. After spending seven years in pursuit of an apprenticeship, Fisher made history in 2003 by inking the first legal tattoo in Coral Springs. He purchased his shop in 2021 and recently marked his 30th anniversary in the industry.
Related topics: