Help Ray Tackle His Tumor

On March 10, 2019, Ray was diagnosed with what doctors believe is a brainstem glioma. This type of tumor is typically found in children and very little is known about its behavior in adults (growth, chance for metastases, etc.) Ray and Katie are now facing infinite questions and unknowns, all while caring for their 4 girls.

What they do know is, the mass is inoperable because of its location in one of the most vital parts of Ray's brain. Doctors feel that even a biopsy would be too risky. Without a biopsy, Ray isn't eligible for chemotherapy. Radiation would be the only treatment option available in Pittsburgh.

Ray and Katie wanted to pursue a more aggressive approach and contacted the neurosurgery team at Duke University Medical Center. Ray's records and scans were sent overnight. One of the top neurosurgeons in the world called Ray and Katie the next day. He believes the mass should be biopsied to give Ray the most effective treatment moving forward. He is also confident he will be able to do the biopsy safely. 

Ray and Katie are heading to Raleigh, NC during the last week of March to have the biopsy performed at Duke University Medical Center while being separated from their children. This biopsy will determine the exact type of tumor that is growing in Ray's brain. With the tumor analyzed, a personalized chemotherapy and radiation treatment plan can be made for Ray.  

The Ewing family has no idea how long they will have to battle this, or what the future holds. What is a sure thing, there will be many medical expenses and travel expenses in their near future. We as friends and family of the Ewing family, must come together and help support them. 

On behalf of the Ewing family, thank you so much for your generosity. No donation is too small, and this is the one way we can all help Ray tackle this brain tumor!