Support Case during his fight against brain cancer

Amanda Gwizdek is organising this fundraiser.

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My name is Amanda, and I have been asked to start this page for my dear friend Trina and her and Larry’s son, Case. They are facing the hardest and scariest challenge of their lives. Case is an amazing 8 year old boy who was just diagnosed with a rare brain cancer called Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). This is a very aggressive and rapidly growing brain tumor near his brain stem.

In mid October, Case’s mom and dad noticed he was tilting his head to one side. With no other obvious symptoms presenting, they continued to monitor his posture. An appointment was scheduled with his family doctor to have this checked, but it became clear it may be more urgent and they visited Children’s Hospital in Madison, WI on Wednesday, November 13th. After an MRI was completed, the heart wrenching diagnosis of DMG was given. This rare and aggressive brain tumor most often affects children between the age of 5 and 10 years old and is inoperable due to it’s location. Chemo is also not an option. Standard of care is radiation. If there are other treatment options, they are unknown at this time and are limited. If there are, they will be 1st stage trial options. Due to the location and rapid, aggressive nature of this cancer, the prognosis is hopeless and Case has been given about 6 months to live. But, we, as family and friends of Trina, Larry and Case refuse to give up hope as we know God works miracles every moment of every day.

Here is what we know currently: Case is receiving care with Children’s Hospital in Madison. A surgical biopsy was performed today (11/15/24). This biopsy will take 10 days to return results, and results will be sent to many well known Oncology departments across the US for evaluation and input. Case may experience some vision changes as he heals from this procedure that will likely improve with time. They were also given the results from an extensive MRI Case had to go through on (11/14/24), where 14 more smaller lesions were found around his brain. When radiation begins, it will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks and will focus on all these areas. While this is not expected to cure the cancer, it may reduce its size and slow its growth as his parents and medical team continue to search for the cure.

A bit about Case: He is an extremely loving 8 year old boy in 3rd grade. He loves school, his family and friends, his 2 cats and his dog, his self defense class, playing games, the outdoors, traveling, arts and crafts, and life. Anyone who has ever met him knows his bright blue eyes, beautiful smile and laugh are contagious! He wakes up with a smile and is happy and excited for the day, every single morning. He is sweet, kind, extremely thoughtful, and has a great sense of humor. He has this attitude throughout his whole day! He is so smart and loves math. According to his teachers, if they could have every kid in their class be just as helpful and positive as Case is, their days would be perfect. He wants to be a father someday and have alot of kids..

What we can all do to support: Consider donating financially if it is within your means. The family will have extended times off of work and potential travel expenses during the upcoming months. If donating is not possible, the family asks that you continue to pray as they know that their faith in God is simply the only thing that will get each of them through this journey. Once they know their treatment locations and schedule, help with pets, lawn care, snow removal, meals, etc, may be helpful as well, but those needs remain to be determined.

We need more people in the world with a heart and a smile as generous as Case’s and we continue to pray and work hard toward a miracle! “I am NOT giving up!” is the statement his mom and dad will live by. Let’s make this story one to celebrate.