A Plea for Hope: Supporting Brian’s Battle Against Cancer

In the spring of last year, my stepdad, Brian Johnson, a vibrant 56-year-old who has always embraced life with energy and enthusiasm, began experiencing severe headaches and persistent nausea. After seeking medical attention, a series of tests at Mercy Medical Center led to the heartbreaking diagnosis of a grade 4 benign meningioma. This news, though alarming, seemed manageable at first, and Brian underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Biopsy results confirmed it was indeed a meningioma. However, this diagnosis, which is rare in Brian’s demographic, prompted us to seek a second opinion from Baystate and Dana Farber for further reassurance.

What initially seemed like a positive step toward recovery quickly took an unexpected turn. Just when we thought the worst was behind us, further tests revealed a far graver reality: Brian was not dealing with a benign tumor, but with metastatic melanoma. Melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, carries a daunting 27% survival rate over five years. To say we were devastated would be an understatement. But even in the face of such a difficult prognosis, we rallied around Brian with unwavering support.

However, the challenges didn't stop there. As the cancer continued to spread, Brian was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, a rare and particularly aggressive complication that affects the spinal fluid. This form of cancer has no known cure. Despite the overwhelming odds, we have not given up hope.

In a promising development, we learned of a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas that offers a ray of hope for patients like Brian. Since 2016, MD Anderson has been conducting a groundbreaking clinical trial focusing on melanoma patients who later develop leptomeningeal disease. This innovative treatment utilizes immunotherapy with antibodies designed to target and attack the cancerous cells within the spinal fluid. The results have been encouraging, with some patients living relatively normal lives for years after treatment. One patient has been thriving for seven years since beginning the trial.

Our deepest hope is that Brian will be the next success story.

While this trial offers a lifeline, it also comes with significant financial challenges. To receive this treatment, Brian must travel to Houston once a month, incurring costs for flights, accommodations, and other travel expenses, essentially for the rest of his life. These financial burdens are substantial, but they are a necessary part of the journey toward saving his life.

Throughout this entire ordeal, Brian has remained a beacon of strength, resilience, and optimism. His spirit has never darkened, and his determination to fight has inspired all of us. Now, we are asking for your help to ensure he can continue this fight.

We humbly ask you to contribute to Brian’s GoFundMe campaign, as we work together to raise the funds needed for his treatment and travel. Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward helping Brian access the care he needs to continue his battle. Your support will not only help alleviate the financial strain, but it will also provide Brian with the hope and strength he needs to keep pushing forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read Brian’s story. We are grateful for any support you can offer—whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign with others. Together, we can make a difference in Brian’s fight against cancer and give him the best chance at a future filled with health and happiness.