Help Chris Radano Fight Brain Cancer
Donation protected
Chris’ Diagnosis
In March of 2018, while on a business trip, Chris had a seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with the most aggressive type of brain cancer. Within days of diagnosis, Chris had his first brain surgery. While that surgery was effective with the removal of greater than 95% of his tumor, the surgeon knew that microscopic cells had been left. Once recovered, Chris began a round of radiation and chemo. Due to Chris’ biomarkers, his oncologist admitted from the outset that chemo wouldn’t likely be effective. And it wasn’t. Over the months, Chris experienced regrowth regardless of the various treatments his doctors tried and added.
Chris underwent another crainiotomy in February 2019. While that was successful, Chris was told in May that the cancer had grown more aggressive and that we should prepare for the worst. His doctors put him on a treatment that was intended to stop growth but wouldn’t shrink the tumors. In July, they were glad to see the treatment was effective. However that was short lived. In early September, doctors once again said that his tumors had grown, with concern of it being in his cerebral fluid. They encouraged Chris and Erin to prepare for an unfavorable outcome. Penn doctors said they were basically out of treatment options. They offered a chemo option that has a 5% efficacy rate.
Chris and Erin decided to further investigate a clinic in Houston, TX that specializes in helping with Chris’ type of brain cancer. A little over a week ago, they made the trip to find out if it was a viable option. After seeing the clinic and meeting with doctors, it does seem like the best treatment option because, if effective, the treatment gets at the root of the problem and leads to healing rather than simply putting the disease at bay. The difficulty with this option is that it’s very expensive: $21,000 for the first month and $17,000 for subsequent months, up to 8 months.
When they returned from Texas, they had a conversation with their oncologist. She has been honest in giving them the best options she can offer and the possibilities for those options. None of them are promising. She was also honest about her reservations regarding this treatment option. But she has agreed to work with them in any way she can if they choose this, which is a kindness from God.
Your Contribution
That’s where we are asking for your help. To pursue the Houston option means they have to make a financial commitment. The way the treatment works is that it gives them opportunities to determine how much they want to commit to as the process unfolds. But in order to get started, they do need to pay. Every contribution—regardless of the amount—is a blessing. It will help them to pursue the only treatment with a promising result.
They have given so much to so many over the years and we want to be here to support them, to help remind them that they don’t walk alone.
Chris and Erin talked with their pastors and they have recommended this Go Fund Me to help meet the financial obligation. (By the way, if you have any questions about any of this you can feel free to talk to either Joseph Stigora, Rob Flood or Andy Farmer—all three are walking with us through this.)
We are seeking to raise money for four months of treatment, and hoping that we can quickly raise the first quarter of this so Chris can get started. If you’d prefer to give via PayPal, those can be sent to [email redacted] . Or Venmo to [email redacted] .
If you are unable to contribute financially, we’re grateful you’ve been able to read this small part of their story. We pray, along with Chris and Erin, that their story would point to Christ, the one who gave all so we could be with him.
A little more info
Chris and Erin have 3 girls, ages 8, 6 and 10 months. They were married in 2010 and have been on a great adventure since … with much of their story being unconventional. They’d love for life to look a bit more routine, but are coming around to the idea that may never happen. Chris continues to succeed as a chemist by day and finds joy in his other interests: music, drums, family, serving, Philly Phanatic … and (when he wasn’t eating raw vegan) cheesesteaks. Each day of life is a reminder of the mercy of Christ and they are grateful for each part that you are playing in their story.
In March of 2018, while on a business trip, Chris had a seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with the most aggressive type of brain cancer. Within days of diagnosis, Chris had his first brain surgery. While that surgery was effective with the removal of greater than 95% of his tumor, the surgeon knew that microscopic cells had been left. Once recovered, Chris began a round of radiation and chemo. Due to Chris’ biomarkers, his oncologist admitted from the outset that chemo wouldn’t likely be effective. And it wasn’t. Over the months, Chris experienced regrowth regardless of the various treatments his doctors tried and added.
Chris underwent another crainiotomy in February 2019. While that was successful, Chris was told in May that the cancer had grown more aggressive and that we should prepare for the worst. His doctors put him on a treatment that was intended to stop growth but wouldn’t shrink the tumors. In July, they were glad to see the treatment was effective. However that was short lived. In early September, doctors once again said that his tumors had grown, with concern of it being in his cerebral fluid. They encouraged Chris and Erin to prepare for an unfavorable outcome. Penn doctors said they were basically out of treatment options. They offered a chemo option that has a 5% efficacy rate.
Chris and Erin decided to further investigate a clinic in Houston, TX that specializes in helping with Chris’ type of brain cancer. A little over a week ago, they made the trip to find out if it was a viable option. After seeing the clinic and meeting with doctors, it does seem like the best treatment option because, if effective, the treatment gets at the root of the problem and leads to healing rather than simply putting the disease at bay. The difficulty with this option is that it’s very expensive: $21,000 for the first month and $17,000 for subsequent months, up to 8 months.
When they returned from Texas, they had a conversation with their oncologist. She has been honest in giving them the best options she can offer and the possibilities for those options. None of them are promising. She was also honest about her reservations regarding this treatment option. But she has agreed to work with them in any way she can if they choose this, which is a kindness from God.
Your Contribution
That’s where we are asking for your help. To pursue the Houston option means they have to make a financial commitment. The way the treatment works is that it gives them opportunities to determine how much they want to commit to as the process unfolds. But in order to get started, they do need to pay. Every contribution—regardless of the amount—is a blessing. It will help them to pursue the only treatment with a promising result.
They have given so much to so many over the years and we want to be here to support them, to help remind them that they don’t walk alone.
Chris and Erin talked with their pastors and they have recommended this Go Fund Me to help meet the financial obligation. (By the way, if you have any questions about any of this you can feel free to talk to either Joseph Stigora, Rob Flood or Andy Farmer—all three are walking with us through this.)
We are seeking to raise money for four months of treatment, and hoping that we can quickly raise the first quarter of this so Chris can get started. If you’d prefer to give via PayPal, those can be sent to [email redacted] . Or Venmo to [email redacted] .
If you are unable to contribute financially, we’re grateful you’ve been able to read this small part of their story. We pray, along with Chris and Erin, that their story would point to Christ, the one who gave all so we could be with him.
A little more info
Chris and Erin have 3 girls, ages 8, 6 and 10 months. They were married in 2010 and have been on a great adventure since … with much of their story being unconventional. They’d love for life to look a bit more routine, but are coming around to the idea that may never happen. Chris continues to succeed as a chemist by day and finds joy in his other interests: music, drums, family, serving, Philly Phanatic … and (when he wasn’t eating raw vegan) cheesesteaks. Each day of life is a reminder of the mercy of Christ and they are grateful for each part that you are playing in their story.
Organizer and beneficiary
Ramona Doyle
Organizer
West Chester, PA
Chris Radano
Beneficiary