Help for Bruce Gane and Family
Donation protected
I have organized this GoFundMe on behalf of my brother, Bruce Gane and his family. If you don't know my brother or don't know what has been happening, let me get you up to speed:
Last July (2019) Bruce went for a bike ride. Upon returning home he looked in the mirror to find a large lump on the left side of his neck. He contacted an ENT and he was seen right away. The first biopsy and scans all came back with inconclusive results. In September 2019 he received a PET scan and biopsy results that confirmed the diagnosis of large B-Cell lymphoma and it was aggressive. It was in the lymph nodes in his neck as well as his chest and abdomen.
In late September he began a regimen of chemo therapy called R-CHOP. He went in for infusion every three weeks two days at a time for a total of 6 sessions of chemo. In January of 2020 he had another PET scan that revealed there was a small area in his abdomen that appeared to still have active cancer. Another biopsy was performed to confirm that result. The biopsy came back negative stating necrotic tissue was the cause for the scan results. His hematologist at Moffitt decided to wait two months and repeat the scan. When the scan was repeated the mass had doubled in size. Another biopsy was ordered and this time return positive results. The cancer was not gone.
Another round of stronger chemo was recommended. This time he received only four infusions, to be followed up by another PET scan. That follow-up PET scan revealed the cancer was gone. The doctors recommended a stem cell transplant to help Bruce’s body fight the cancer and prevent its return.
The stem cell process is not simple and requires many tests and therapies in preparation. The process was delayed due to COVID-19 and some scheduling issues. So, one more infusion was ordered to keep the cancer at bay for transplant. And testing and pre-transplant work-up has begun.
Beginning of August:
During the course of the second round of chemo Bruce began to display some behaviors that were not normal for him. They were minor and we assumed due to the stress of cancer and this crazy year we are having. But the behaviors continued and became worse. About a month ago it became apparent that Bruce was no longer Bruce.
As it turns out the issues with his behavior are very serious and he is currently hospitalized for treatment. This delays and even halts the stem cell process.
In the midst of the mental health issues Bruce’s employer has terminated his employment and medical benefits will be canceled effective the end of August 2020.
Having Bruce out of work puts a tremendous financial strain on the family as he is the sole provider. Robin (my sister-in-law) can not work because she needs to take care of Bruce. If the stem cell transplant moves forward, he will need a 24/7 care giver during the process. With all of this going on, the expenses continue to add up.
At this time, we are asking for any and all financial support to help cover living expenses (mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation to doctors/treatment, etc.). Any help is greatly appreciated and no amount is too small!
Last July (2019) Bruce went for a bike ride. Upon returning home he looked in the mirror to find a large lump on the left side of his neck. He contacted an ENT and he was seen right away. The first biopsy and scans all came back with inconclusive results. In September 2019 he received a PET scan and biopsy results that confirmed the diagnosis of large B-Cell lymphoma and it was aggressive. It was in the lymph nodes in his neck as well as his chest and abdomen.
In late September he began a regimen of chemo therapy called R-CHOP. He went in for infusion every three weeks two days at a time for a total of 6 sessions of chemo. In January of 2020 he had another PET scan that revealed there was a small area in his abdomen that appeared to still have active cancer. Another biopsy was performed to confirm that result. The biopsy came back negative stating necrotic tissue was the cause for the scan results. His hematologist at Moffitt decided to wait two months and repeat the scan. When the scan was repeated the mass had doubled in size. Another biopsy was ordered and this time return positive results. The cancer was not gone.
Another round of stronger chemo was recommended. This time he received only four infusions, to be followed up by another PET scan. That follow-up PET scan revealed the cancer was gone. The doctors recommended a stem cell transplant to help Bruce’s body fight the cancer and prevent its return.
The stem cell process is not simple and requires many tests and therapies in preparation. The process was delayed due to COVID-19 and some scheduling issues. So, one more infusion was ordered to keep the cancer at bay for transplant. And testing and pre-transplant work-up has begun.
Beginning of August:
During the course of the second round of chemo Bruce began to display some behaviors that were not normal for him. They were minor and we assumed due to the stress of cancer and this crazy year we are having. But the behaviors continued and became worse. About a month ago it became apparent that Bruce was no longer Bruce.
As it turns out the issues with his behavior are very serious and he is currently hospitalized for treatment. This delays and even halts the stem cell process.
In the midst of the mental health issues Bruce’s employer has terminated his employment and medical benefits will be canceled effective the end of August 2020.
Having Bruce out of work puts a tremendous financial strain on the family as he is the sole provider. Robin (my sister-in-law) can not work because she needs to take care of Bruce. If the stem cell transplant moves forward, he will need a 24/7 care giver during the process. With all of this going on, the expenses continue to add up.
At this time, we are asking for any and all financial support to help cover living expenses (mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation to doctors/treatment, etc.). Any help is greatly appreciated and no amount is too small!
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicole Lalli
Organizer
Tarpon Springs, FL
Robin Gane
Beneficiary