Help Ryan Mulvey Fight Recurrent Malignant Brain Cancer

Help Ryan Mulvey Fight Brain Cancer (IDH-Mutant Grade 3 Astrocytoma)

Ryan P. Mulvey is courageously battling a rare and aggressive brain cancer: IDH1-mutant, WHO Grade 3 Astrocytoma. Despite two brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, Ryan has now experienced two tumor recurrences within a single year — the most recent occurring just weeks after his second craniotomy.

This GoFundMe has been set up to support Ryan and his family as they face the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of this relentless disease.

Ryan’s Medical Journey

In January 2024, Ryan suffered a seizure that led to the discovery of a brain tumor in his right frontal lobe. Within days, the mass had grown significantly, prompting urgent action.

February 1, 2024: Ryan underwent his first craniotomy to remove the tumor.

Pathology revealed an IDH1-mutant, WHO Grade 3 astrocytoma, a malignant and potentially recurrent brain tumor.

He completed 30 rounds of radiation and 9 cycles of Temodar chemotherapy in the following months.

Although his follow-up scans initially showed no evidence of disease, the cancer returned in November 2024, and grew aggressively despite treatment.

February 19, 2025: Ryan underwent his second craniotomy.

March 2025: Pathology confirmed that the tumor had recurred and showed resistance to prior treatment.

April 8, 2025: Just weeks after surgery, an MRI revealed another recurrence — a 1.7 x 0.6 x 1.0 cm nodular mass in the surgical cavity.

April 11, 2025: Duke University confirmed this second recurrence.

Ryan’s medical team is now evaluating next steps, including potential second-line treatments such as Lomustine or clinical trial enrollment.

The Financial Impact

While Ryan receives disability income, it covers only a fraction of his former earnings. His wife continues to work full-time, managing the responsibilities of being the sole provider, primary caregiver, and emotional anchor for their family — all while juggling time off for medical travel, appointments, and caregiving needs.

Their out-of-pocket expenses are significant and growing, including:

$150 MRI co-pays (with numerous scans already completed and more scheduled)

An $8,500 health insurance deductible

Prescription medications

Lab work and frequent doctor visits

Travel costs to medical centers like Duke (flights, hotel stays, meals)

Lost income due to time away from work for caregiving and medical travel

Though they've handled so much on their own, the financial burden of a long-term cancer fight is now overwhelming.

How You Can Help

Every donation — large or small — goes directly toward Ryan’s care and the many uncovered costs that come with fighting a serious illness. Your generosity can help ease the strain on this family, allowing them to focus on what matters most: Ryan’s health, time together, and hope for healing.

Even if you can’t give financially, please consider sharing this page or keeping Ryan and his family in your thoughts and prayers. They are deeply grateful for the support, love, and encouragement that surrounds them during this incredibly difficult journey.

Thank you for standing with Ryan and his family.