Help Russ Fight Brain Cancer Again

This strong young man is Russ! He is an outstanding brother, friend, son, uncle, grandson, you name it… The inner strength of this guy is like no other and we are devastated to say that he has had a second diagnosis of Ependymoma Brain Cancer. He was first diagnosed at 16 years old, recovered and fought hard through chemo- and learning to walk again, and all redevelopment of neural recovery that you can think of… now he is in his 20s, and the entire family has been destroyed with this news. What we are also struggling to accept, but that we know, is that this type of cancer can come back in the future, and can not be completely controlled… but for now we are praying and pushing along, believing in the success stories and in the support of the help of the University of San Francisco Cancer Center to provide a peaceful experience… Ependymoma is a tumor that develops usually along the inner and lower part of the brain. His last surgery and recovery required a total of 3-4 surgeries, all within 1 year! All we know now is that this surgery will require a 6 hour surgery, as well as radiation therapy.

The surgery is taking place at 5am on April 28th. My mother Tanya Berry will be staying with Russ in San Francisco for the duration of the medical surgery and requirements and is a single parent. She has quit her job as she knows it was not doable last time with all of the medical appts and recovery time, and is at the mercy of outside help such as this gofundme, and the cancer foundation.

What we are hoping for is a strong recovery, not more than one surgery, and not as many months of radiation. We need everyone’s prayers and love and support, and we are really thankful in ways that cannot be explained for everyone who donates. The money will be going towards all expenses for my mother, Russ’ payments for his bills and truck, and towards being able to keep up with expenses for medical trips of any more are needed.

I have attached a few photos of Russ and what he loves to do, as well as a link about the type of cancer he has.

Feel free to contact Russ and my mother Tanya at any time with questions, kind words and comments. (775)-420-9009.  They would love to hear from you. We have had some amazing prayers and messages sent from family and far away loved ones 5 years ago, and every single one of them was appreciated beyond belief.

Once again, we are all so thankful, and also so sorry to send terrible news, but we value you all. We value all of your efforts, prayers and love and all of the time spent to connect and to show support. https://braintumorcenter.ucsf.edu/condition/ependymoma

Love,

Russ, Gabby, and Tanya.