Life enhancing treatment abroad for GBM cancer

My name is Chris. I am 50 and, up until recently, I was living a full and active life raising 3 beautiful kids aged 12, 14 and 18, with my soulmate Jenn.

11th September 2023

The day started like any other working-from-home Monday. Up to walk our family cocker spaniel, before seeing my three children off to school and college. I then started my routine calls to set up the week ahead… the next thing I knew, I was lying on my bed unable to move. Paramedics were called and I was taken by ambulance to A&E.

I didn’t understand how I could be in so much pain without any signs of an impact. I hadn’t fallen down the stairs, and didn’t have any visible signs of bruising! Tests showed that I had a seizure so violent that I’d crushed three vertebrae in my back. I am 15mm shorter as a result.

8th October 2023

I had a further seizure. This time Jenn and my son were present. My son assisted, putting me in the recovery position, not something that you ever want your child to do.

Back in A&E and more tests revealed that I had a small area of unspecified bruising on the right side of my head, which became everyone’s focus. The following morning, I had emergency surgery to remove a lime sized temporal clot from just above my right ear, which they sent to be tested.

What I was not prepared for was the news I was given 24 hours later. I was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma (GBM). It’s the most aggressive type of brain cancer and comes with an expected prognosis of 18-24 months. It’s horrible, shocking and scary to be told that, out of the blue. But here we are.

19th February 2024

Today is 152 days since my diagnosis. I take each day as a blessing, step by step. GBM’s cannot wholly be removed, but I can buy time. Precious time with my wonderful family and that’s why I am kindly asking for your help.

Brain cancer research and treatment in the UK remains underfunded even though it’s the most common cause of death by cancer for people under 40.

I’ve had lots of radiotherapy and chemo for my GBM and I’m doing all that I can to fight it, but there are life enhancing treatments, offered in Germany, that have shown really encouraging results and could improve my prognosis by years.

I am travelling there this afternoon and treatment begins tomorrow.

Sadly, this treatment isn’t covered by NHS and comes at considerable cost. I need your help to raise the funds. That is why I am here. I don’t have the means to fund it all myself but with your help I could see all my kid’s 18th birthdays. That’s what it’s all about.

I believe in positive thinking and positive action and I ask for whatever help you can give. Every penny you can fund me, will go towards my treatment.

I have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Fail we may, sail we must!

I thank you for anything you can contribute. 10% of everything raised will be donated to the charity Brainstrust

Love,

Chris