Help Anhtu Fight Glioblastoma

This fundraiser is for Dr. Ahntu Vu, a beloved and integral part of the Hoboken University Medical Center Family Medicine Program.

Our co-resident Anhtu, is a 28-year-old male recently diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain tumor. After 20+ years of schooling, Anhtu was excited and ready to start his training to become a Family Physician. As a 2nd year resident, Anhtu has shown himself to be a caring, compassionate, relatable, funny, and down-to-earth guy. He leaves his patients feeling well attended to and cared for and has shown his deep passion for sports medicine by playing tennis regularly and by volunteering at local high school football games.

In February 2023, Anhtu began to experience progressively worsening headaches and dizziness which prompted him to seek care. While in the hospital, he was found to have a large brain mass. Doctors quickly biopsied and removed half of the mass after which Ahntu was found to have the terminal diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), stage 4. As coresidents, clinicians, and more importantly, friends, we know how devasting and rapidly progressing this tumor is. GBM is an aggressive and rare form of brain tumor with no cure. For adults, the five-year Glioblastoma survival rate is only 6.8%. The mean survival rate in adults is 15 months.

While awaiting the start of his chemo and radiation treatments, Anhtu's symptoms worsened and new imaging has shown rapid progression of the tumor over the last month, despite its previous partial removal. Ahntu's prognosis is now even more guarded.

Like he tells his patients, you need to "take it one day at a time." Anhtu is not a quitter and never will be. He continues to have a positive attitude while now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Despite the support of friends and family, he cannot fight this battle on his own. In order to receive the best care, he will need additional funds to seek further research as well as clinical trials. Anhtu is an only child and is one of the firsts in his family to complete medical school. While becoming a resident physician has been a source of pride and joy for his parents, they now face the reality of student loan payment while grappling with their only child's diagnosis. Please consider supporting Anhtu and his family. This fight is not only for him, but for others who also suffer from this aggressive cancer. If you are not able to donate please consider sharing this story and spreading the word.

Help us help Ahntu. We appreciate your support.

Update 4/17/23

It is with the heaviest heart that we inform you that Anhtu was officially declared brain dead earlier today. He will be terminally extubated tomorrow.

I also want to say when I saw him last week when he was well, he told me how much he missed everyone and was thankful for all the well wishes people had sent him. He was proud to be apart of our program. He saw every message people sent him. He was excited to come back and always remained in high spirits. He fought a hard battle and unfortunately it was a short one. We will continue to carry on his legacy forever. Please his parents, family and his girlfriend Louise in your prayers.

As per the family’s request the gofundme will also be closed tomorrow once he becomes extubated, all donations will go to his funeral expenses and also to a charity for glioblastoma research. It’s what he wanted <3