Support for Mathew De Pretto and Family

An update on Mathew’s journey which commenced on 16 February 2025

(a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, as well as a highly regarded chippie)

Dear friends, family and compassionate supporters...

We are deeply touched by the incredible love and generosity already shown by so many in support of Mat.

Mathew’s journey

Mat’s journey began on the 16th February where he was admitted to the Austin with a serious brain hemorrhage. A fortnight later MRI results conducted at St Vincent’s hospital showed that he had an incurable grade 4 glioblastoma tumor. He was operated on at St Vincent’s, but his neurosurgeon was only able to remove a small portion of the tumor, as it is situated in a delicate part of the brain.

Fast forward to the 14 April, Mathew was again admitted to St. Vincent’s due to extreme pain. MRI results showed that his tumor had doubled in size. His neurosurgeon was cautious about operating due to the risk of serious impairment and/or death.

His family wanted him to have that chance at life, so he was again operated on the 15th April and this time his neurosurgeon successfully removed significantly more of the tumor. He is currently recovering in hospital and will be commencing his oncology treatment plan in the coming week as soon as it is safe to do so.

As conservative treatment only recommends radiotherapy and chemo tablets, which isn’t curative and only intended to prolong his life, the family have researched alternative treatments both locally and abroad to increase his chances of survival so that he can continue to be there to nurture his beloved family.

Where to now?

Two weeks ago, Mat & Mariane consulted with Dr Peter Eng, specializing in integrative medicine, who uses the best of both treatment options – drugs that can be re-purposed to assist with this type of tumor targeting the nucleus of the cancer and evidenced-based nutritional supplements taken both orally, as well as via intravenous infusions which works to build a healthy immune system, important in preventing further tumors from developing.

As Dr Eng’s clinic is private, the costs of treatment are excessive, requiring Mat to travel 2 to 3 days per week at the clinic for hours of infusions in 3-month cycles costing $35,000 per cycle along with thousands of dollars’ worth of supporting drugs and supplements. He will be repeating cycles ongoing.

Mariane has also consulted with Prof. Gansauge from Germany offering a tried and tested treatment for this type of tumor called dendritic cell-based vaccines which according to him will increase his chances of survival. This treatment costs $70,000AUD and the costs surrounding the trip for Mat’s flights, insurance, accommodation, transfers, and necessities are $30,000+.

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan is as follows:

• 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy drug

• A protocol of re-purposed drugs and nutrient supplements, as well as 2 to 3 weekly visits to the clinic in Brighton for intravenous infusions for the rest of the year

• 26th May – a trip to Germany to undertake dendritic-cell based vaccination

How you can help

Mat’s condition has meant that since February, he has been unable to work or drive and Mariane has been and will continue to be the sole income earner for their family whilst also caring for Mat and being present throughout hospital stays and appointments.

The funds raised through this GoFundMe will directly support the out-of-pocket costs for Mathew’s treatment plan auspiced by Dr Peter Eng, the expense of going to Germany and dentric-cell based vaccination and includes medications; medical care and the vital resources needed to give Mat the best possible chance at overcoming this battle.

Mat’s story

Every act of kindness, whether it is a donation, sharing Mat’s story and the link to this page or words of encouragement helps to alleviate the emotional and financial burden on his family.

With deep gratitude

What Mathew is going through is life-changing, but the blessings of family, friends and even strangers rallying behind him is awe-inspiring.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity as his journey, although difficult, could serve to inspire others who are impacted by terminal illness...

Much Love from the De Pretto's Family & Friends