Tim’s Fight Against Cancer

Tims medical journey took an unexpected turn in August 2023 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as Paraganglioma. Paraganglioma is an exceptionally rare neuroendocrine cancer with limited approved/effective treatment therapies. Since August 2023, Tim has seen a handful of doctors specializing in neuroendocrine tumors, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, etc with Jefferson Medical, UPenn, and NIH. After months of waiting, scans, doctors appointments Tim was scheduled for an extensive surgery in January 2024 to remove the identified tumor. However, at the time all scans, blood tests, doctor insights lead us to believe only one tumor was present. During surgery, the surgical team found that the tumor has metastasized, spreading a couple dozen smaller tumors/nodules around his abdomen area. Given the metastatic nature of the disease, surgery was no longer an option and we had to go back to the drawing board.

Current FDA-approved therapies like chemo or radiation have minor effectiveness related to paraganglioma tumors, so Tim started thinking outside of the box to tackle this trial. Raw vegan diet, alkaline water diet, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, stem cells, you name it and Tim has researched it all.

Studies have shown hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment (HBOT) not only reduces treatment (chemo or radiation) side effects, but can also reduce/shrink cancer cells before treatment if done in an aggressive approach. Aggressive meaning 40+ hours of HBOT treatment in 90 minute sessions. However, given the lack of FDA support and the clinic trial aspect of HBOT this treatment is seen as an out of pocket treatment which costs a pretty penny to be frank. HBOT will cost Tim over $10,000 out of pocket.

Additionally, studies have shown an alternative treatment therapy called stem cell therapy to have advantageous effects on reducing tumor growth and make cancer treatments more effective. Stem cell therapy again is an out of pocket therapy ranging in the magnitude of $30,000-$50,000 for treatment alone.

In this battle against a rare cancer, costly alternatives are what Tim may be left with. Please help us raise money to support Tim’s fight against cancer and to fund the use of hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment for this disease. Just like this cancer, Tim is a one of a kind guy. Family oriented, devoted, loving, and constantly optimistic. Tim has not let any of the uncertainties and tribulations bring him down. His constant motivation and resilience has powered him through this process and is an inspiration for all. To him, being an opportunity to grow science and find a cure for others is just as if not more important to his own recovery. Please help us reduce the anxiety and worry of cost/money for Tims treatment possibilities.