Brian McGovern: Our Miracle

Hello friends and family,

Our son, brother, partner, and friend Brian McGovern has been diagnosed just last week with Grade 4 Glioblastoma — an aggressive, inoperable malignant tumor in the heart of his brain.

We’re all in shock.

Brian is only 37 years old. For the last 7 years he’s been sharing his life with Amanda Martinelli and their dog Espresso Bean Martinelli. They love to travel and spend all their time together and were looking forward to their future, but now their only dream is for Brian to get well so that they can grow old together. Let’s help make that dream come true.

Brian has been in the hospital for the past week recovering from biopsy surgery with Amanda and family by his side. He has many struggles that were unforeseeable and unimaginable just a week ago. Standing at a towering 6’5”, Brian — the gentlest of giants — has always dominated life. He's intelligent, sensitive, funny and kind. He’s a double-bass drummer, a black belt in karate, and an avid hiker who loves traveling to and exploring the National Parks with Amanda by his side. He works out every day, eats healthfully, and takes excellent care of himself. Knowing he’s such an active, health-conscious man makes his diagnosis all the more unreal.

We still have every single bit of hope and complete faith that Brian will persevere. If anyone can do it, Brian can. He’s a fighter.

With a long road to recovery ahead of him, Brian will need every prayer and positive vibe. He will also need financial support, so we’re humbly appealing to those who have the means to contribute any amount that will go towards his care, comfort, and serenity. The money will be used for the home care expenses he will require, ongoing medical expenses, and, most importantly, setting him up in an accessible apartment that will be a healing sanctuary for him.

In this space, we will provide regular updates as he improves. We thank you from our whole hearts for the positive light, love, and beautiful energy you’re already sending his way. Keep him in your hearts, and keep the love coming. He’s sure to feel it, and it will, no doubt, help him to improve.

Thank you one and all from the depths of our hearts for your love and friendship.

Karen Connelly

Friend of Brian and Amanda