Michael Allio, a contestant from The Bachelorette season 17, was recently named as one of the "Most Interesting People of 2022." Michael is the vice president of MA Workwear, a work clothes store. The 37-year-old from Akron, Ohio, lost his wife, Laura, to breast cancer in 2019. They shared a son, James, now 5. Although he found a connection with Katie Thurston on the show, he ultimately decided to leave before his hometown date after a FaceTime call with James, who thought Michael was gone because he didn't want to see him. Michael knew that his son needed him, so he went home. Michael's decision was respected and admired by fans, who fell in love with his kind and sensitive nature. They even wanted him to be the next star of The Bachelor.
Michael is the founder of the L4 Project in honor of Laura. This organization’s mission is to ensure that people who are battling cancer receive the support that they need, along with their families. When Laura was diagnosed, she became an advocate for others, determined to find a purpose to her pain. When she passed away after her two year battle with breast cancer at just 33 years old, Michael knew that he wanted her legacy to live on through this organization that ensures that no one has to fight cancer alone.
According to Cleveland Magazine, Michael was one of 30 individuals named to the outlet's "Most Interesting People of 2022" feature. His fellow honorees include other notable people from Ohio such as Olympian Katie Nageotte, Jeopardy! Champion Matt Amodio, and professional wrestler and Dancing With The Stars season 30 contestant Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, along with several other entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and activists. Michael's headline read, "While he didn't find love on The Bachelorette, Allio is finding his way forward after tragedy." In its "Why He's Interesting" section, the magazine explained, "Allio, a warm, funny dad from Akron, captured audiences’ hearts on Season 17 of ABC’s The Bachelorette. He was a front-runner but left the show before the finale to spend time with his then 4-year-old son, James." In the article, Michael shared that the show gave him hope that he might find love again some day. However, he will always hold Laura close to his heart. He revealed that in December 2018, when the doctors said that Laura's life would soon end, he had three brass compasses created for himself, Laura, and James, with the engraving, "I'll find you wherever you are." Michael said that he keeps his with him at all times, and he finds comfort in the fact that, "whatever waits for us on the other side," they will all be together again.
In a post on his Instagram account, Michael expressed how honored he was to be included on the list and thanked everyone who supported him throughout his journey. He humbly stated, "Honestly, I’m not qualified to shine most of these people’s shoes… but it goes without saying that I’m honored to be recognized and proud of the work we’ve done to date. Thank you to everyone that helped me get back on my feet and to those that continue to inspire and support me everyday. This one’s for you Laura." Michael also encouraged his followers to look at the full list of honorees in the magazine, saying, "Some amazing things happening in Northeast Ohio." Bachelor Nation stars including Thomas Jacobs, Clare Crawley, and Mike Johnson offered their congratulations, along with Michael's good friend, Amanda Kloots.
Michael has been a Bachelor Nation fan favorite since his debut on The Bachelorette. This honor from Cleveland Magazine is much deserved, and will bring attention and recognition to his mission to help those with cancer through the L4 Project. Michael sets a strong example for his son, and deserves all of the happiness that life has to offer.
Source: Cleveland Magazine, Michael Allio/Instagram