Hope with Drake Vang

Hello everyone, my name is Haylee Vang, and I am the older sister of Drake Vang.

Drake is not only my younger brother, but he is my best friend. Drake has always had a funny, charismatic, and outgoing aura that could light up any room he walks into. He turns 21 in September, loves playing sports, enjoys spending time with his loved ones, and currently attends the University of Minnesota with the aspirations of becoming the first pharmacist in our family. Growing up, I always looked up to my younger brother. He's taught me so much just by being himself. He is confident, he is kind, he is courageous, and he has always put everyone else before himself. Right now, this is the time I ask everyone to come together and put him first so he can have a fighting chance to beat the odds. He has an entire life he has yet to live. Goals to accomplish. People to meet. Places to visit. Lives to change.

Earlier this month, in June of 2022, Drake complained of weakness and numbness to the left side of his body. Initially, we thought he'd been experiencing a minor stroke, so we went in to get him assessed, and they ordered a routine MRI to be certain. Thinking nothing of it, we proceeded with our daily lives, hoping it was nothing major.

On June 13th, 2022, I received a call from my mother. Crying inconsolably, unable to keep herself composed, she rushed me to come home. As I pulled into the driveway, I saw my father crying. My heart immediately sank to the ground. I ran inside and hugged my brother as tight as possible, terrified to discover what had happened, and asked what was wrong. He explained to me that the MRI detected two tumors in his brain. One in the thalamus and the other in the basal ganglia. To provide insight on the areas affected in the brain, the thalamus relays sensory and motor signals, as well as regulation of consciousness and alertness, and the basal ganglia is primarily responsible for motor control.

June 19th, 2022, after four excruciating days of Drake being in the hospital, he finally returned home. Seeing his symptoms worsen in front of our eyes has shattered our hearts, and we all haven't been the same.

On June 24th, 2022, we all sat down for a virtual meeting with a neurologist specializing in Drake’s tumors to discuss his biopsy results. Drake's biopsy confirmed devastating news that Drake had two malignant gliomas that are both grade 4. The neurosurgeon explained to us that the grade 4 malignant gliomas are the most aggressive type of brain tumor.

On the night of June 27th, 2022, Drake shared with us that the pain and numbness had now traveled to the right side of his body. Another CT scan and MRI had been ordered, and we were brought with even more unsettling news.. Since Drake’s last MRI, on June 13th, his thalamic tumor has doubled in size from .8 cm to 1.5 cm.

Within just one month, my brother’s life has been completely flipped upside down. Drake used to be incredibly active; playing volleyball, basketball, and going to the gym every day. Since his diagnosis and the growth of his tumors, he spends most of his day sleeping and relying heavily on his medications to keep him afloat. To stand a fighting chance, Drake's treatment will be incredibly intensive.

Your kind and generous donations will go towards Drake's treatment plan to help defeat the cancer he is battling. Drake's cancer first requires laser surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, with daily treatment lasting 1-2 hours for a consecutive 6-8 week period. We are infinitely grateful for any donation you could make, no matter the amount. Anything will help Drake create more memories with us, with you, and with everyone who loves him. It will most importantly help us cover out-of-pocket medical costs and medications, gas to drive to and from chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and food and water on the days he is strong enough to want to eat. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity from the bottom of our hearts.

Additional ways you can help support us:

1. Post this on your social media platforms! Text

this link to your friends and family. Share it at

work. Share it anywhere you can think of!

2. Contact your local media! Radio

stations. TV stations. Newspaper.

3. Pray with us. Please keep Drake in your prayers to keep him strong as he battles this cancer.

With much hope and love,

Haylee