Support for Jamin ~ Palliative Brain Cancer

In 2017, Jamin and his life partner Jessika, traveled to New Zealand to fulfill their dream of two exciting years of work and adventure traveling. Hours after arrival, Jamin suffered severe seizures, revealing an Astrocytoma Glioma brain tumour. Their dreams quickly unraveled as they returned home to Canada, where Jamin received invasive, extensive brain surgery in 2018.

Although most of the tumour was removed, at age 29, he spent the next six months doing speech rehabilitation and learning to read and write again.

In 2019, a routine MRI revealed new growth from the remnants of the original tumour. A neurosurgeon determined a second surgery was too risky; radiation and chemotherapy were the only viable options to attack the tumour cells now invading healthy brain tissue. After radiation and ten months of chemotherapy, the new tumour cells were eradicated; however the stubborn, deep roots of the original tumour remained. His health was considered stable for a year, and Jamin was able to work and live his life as best he could.

Stability was short-lived. Once again, hopes were crushed in March this year, when he had two spontaneous, severe seizures. Unresponsive to all paramedics' efforts, he was rushed to hospital, where he finally regained consciousness. An MRI revealed a new ominous 'black spot' that has continued to grow, causing brain swelling and additional seizures. Jamin endured two more chemotherapy options, which failed to have any effect on the advancing stages of tumour growth. He recently received the ultimate devastating news that he is considered palliative and to prepare for end-of-life needs. We are all devastated, crushed, and heartbroken that the outcome is not what we had counted on.

Despite ongoing multiple medication changes and dosage adjustments, seizure control has remained elusive. Jamin is now experiencing additional uncontrollable symptoms throughout his body; these indescribable episodes are temporarily debilitating, life-threatening and overwhelming. No matter how difficult the journey has become, Jamin has always maintained his zest for life, his devotion to family and friends, and his sense of humour. He never complains and forges ahead through each new challenge.

Since 2017, Jamin has only been able to work full time for little more than one year. Jessika has worked relentless long hours at two jobs with sheer will, grit, love and determination. She gave up her job a month ago to care for and support him through this most difficult part of the journey. She has set aside her dreams, goals and aspirations, attending every medical appointment, determined to achieve the best possible outcome for him. Together, they have been devoted warriors, Jessika initiating lifesaving medical intervention through numerous harrowing experiences, and Jamin showing unbelievable strength and courage in this battle.

We raised some financial support to help them through Jamin’s treatment in 2019, and Jamin and Jessika have been most uncomfortable with launching a second fundraising campaign. Our families have supported them in various ways, but they have now agreed that the financial burden is becoming too much to bear on their own. They have been selling belongings and living on some savings. Jamin was unable to buy life insurance due to his medical condition, so Jessika will ultimately bear the full weight of financial responsibility.

Jamin and Jessika are currently investigating expensive naturopathic oncologist treatment to attempt to alleviate some of the worst symptoms and offer hopeful improvement. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to pay for this treatment, additional escalating medical expenses, and necessary significant expenses related to their home that were initiated before the seizures struck in March.

Our hearts and souls are broken for them. We are forever grateful to all who have reached out to them in so many creative, compassionate and caring ways on this desperate journey over the last five years. Thank you for taking the time to read and share their story.