Help Fund Dave's Cancer Treatment

Hi everyone, my name is Rachel. I met my husband Dave back in August 2006 as I was getting ready to start my final year of high school. I had never been in love before, but he quickly stole my heart. A short 4 months after we started dating, Dave was diagnosed with a rare cancer called alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), and it has been a part of our lives ever since. Fast forward 17 years, we have accomplished so much together. We got married and have a beautiful, smart, and silly daughter, named Olivia. During this time there have been countless trips to sarcoma specialists in Toronto, many failed treatments, and continued disease progression.

We’ve always had a reason to hold on to hope that Dave would someday beat cancer. The last two years that hope has slowly been slipping away as the cancer has been growing and spreading more rapidly than ever before. While the cancer started off as a golf-ball-sized tumor in his arm, it is now in eight different parts of his body with over 30 metastases. Right now, we’re feeling desperate. We need a solution, and we need it fast. Dave is running out of time and options. His current prognosis is not good, and we’re scared of losing him.

[Updated June 15, 2024 to reflect drug funding]

In January 2024, Dave started a treatment which was promising, but not covered by government funding. This treatment has shrunk or stabilized his disease in just a few short months. This GoFundMe was created to help cover the cost of the medicine.

After roughly 6 months on the treatment, the pharmacy that provides the drugs contacted Dave to see how he was doing. He discussed his positive response with the treatment. They then contacted his oncologist to discuss things further. A short while after that, they contacted him again to tell him the amazing news that he qualified for their compassionate funding program. This meant that beginning July 2024, we no longer have to pay for the treatment, as they will cover it completely going forward!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting our family and giving Dave a fighting chance. So many people have been there for us over the years, and we are forever grateful for your love and support.

Rachel, Dave, and Olivia