Young Father with Recurrent Brain Cancer - Last Hope Therapy

This is a difficult story to tell that I never dreamed our family would have to learn to cope with. My younger brother Matthew in the summer of 2022 randomly had a "grand mal" or generalized seizure. He was only 35, father of a son and twin girls. He was rushed to the hospital where we prayed a simple explanation would be forthcoming. The CT scan confirmed our worst fears. There was a mass on the brain. An MRI was requested by neurosurgery and a biopsy performed to determine type and stage of the tumor. My brother, 35 years old, husband and loving father diagnosed with brain cancer.

Matthew, being the optimist that he is, challenged his diagnosis head-on. During seizures when he could not speak, could not comprehend the things his wife or children were saying, could no longer work, or care for his children still believed. The swelling affected mainly his speech and understanding, but sickness and confusion was common as well. In July the brain biopsy results indicated a Grade 3 astrocytoma, also called an anaplastic astrocytoma. To further destroy hopes the neurosurgeon said it was inoperable.

Matthew immediately started on steroids for the brain swelling and underwent 30 rounds of radiation. This was followed by repeated cycles of Chemotherapy. He continued to be an amazing husband, father, brother, and son through it all stated, "we got this"!

First indications were positive, and the tumor shrank in response to the radiation. We allowed our hopes to increase. Unfortunately, though this kind of cancer can recur and last year a follow up MRI showed the tumor was growing again. The seizures started again as well. We were crushed. An increase in seizure medication and more Chemo seemed to help keep life "normal" but a couple of months ago more seizures and headaches indicated the tumor continued to advance, even while on Chemotherapy. Matthew has exhausted all the available treatment options in our province. A clinical trial somewhere else is our only hope.

Matthew's oncologist has found a clinical trial in Winnipeg that has promise for Matthew's type of cancer. A different approach that has proven effective on different cancers. A chance! A chance to continue to be the man everyone loves! Active in Scouts! Husband! Father! Son! Brother! This is quite literally his last chance to live as we all take for granted.

To attend Winnipeg Matthew will only be able to travel with his wife, and his children will be left home to enjoy their schools, friends, Scouts, and other extracurricular activities under our shared care. This will allow them to process these events in their own environment. This will add extra financial burden to the family with flights, upkeep of two residences, and hopefully some visits and family time during the process.

We truly appreciate any and all assistance you can provide to our family during this time of stress, need, and heartbreak.

Merry Christmas!