Giovanni's Crusade against Cancer

Hello Everyone

My name is Rebecca and as hard as this is to type today, I am sharing this fundraiser with you on behalf of Giovanni Deros and his family. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read and share his story and offer your support.

Just over a year ago Gino's world was turned upside down when Doctors discovered a tumor on his front left temporal lobe. In May of 2021 his Neurosurgeon discovered it was a rare APXA (anaplastic pleomorphoc xanthoastrocytoma) with BRAF mutation brain tumor.

Gino then underwent brain surgery followed by 13+ weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Unfortunately recently there has been a recurrence and the cancer has spread to his spine.

The proposed future treatment is a BRAF mutation drug, however the BRAF drugs are not currently approved in Canada and they are looking for other options while they await special approval.

They have interest in Proton Radiation ($50,000 - $100,000), Ommaya Resevoir ($20,000+), Intrathecal Chemotherapy ($48,000+), Precision therapy or Immunotherapy ($65,000+ a year). However, Canada is behind in the development and approval of these treatments and does not cover the cost of seeking treatments out of country.

Gino is on a pescatarian diet, working with Naturopathic Oncologists along with meditation & counseling coaches, all of which are not financially covered. His wife Arielle, has and is spending every moment doing extensive research to find any alternative treatments and clinical trials available. Most recently, Arielle is pursuing Foundation One testing on Gino's tumor, which will come at a cost of $6000+ usd. Arielle has been in touch with a clinic in New York that has some success stories for Gino's specific type of cancer (APXA and Leptomeningeal disease). However there is no coverage in Canada for these treatments or the travel expenses.

I think we can all agree, Gino has impacted us all. His infectious smile, exuberant personality and love of life has touched anyone who has ever spent any time with him. He is a loving father, husband, son, brother and friend. So now, Giovanni needs every ounce of our support so his soul focus can be on fighting this cancer.

Any monies raised will be held in trust and go towards his medical care and treatments.

Gino is a fighter and I know all of us want to give him the BEST chance to beat this disease, so he can be there to watch his family grow up.

From the bottom of our heart, Thank you to everyone all of your support during this time.