Ryan at 34: Fight Against a Rare Brain Tumor

Ryan a local to OC is only 34 years old, a hardworking Surveyor with Local 12 at one of California’s top surveying firms. He’s been striving toward his professional license and his dream of becoming chief one day. But more than anything, Ryan is a devoted dad to his 7-year-old daughter, Avery.

Just a few weeks ago, Ryan began experiencing severe migraines. He assumed it was from the long 8hour days in the sun. But on Friday, 8/29, the pain became unbearable, and Ryan went to the ER. There, doctors discovered a lime-sized tumor in the front of his brain.

The very next day, surgeons urged him to undergo emergency surgery and warned that he might only have six months to live.

With the support of family and friends, he connected with Dr. Mitchel Berger at UCSF, one of the top brain surgeons in the country. Dr. Berger saw his MRIs and immediately wanted to operate, within 3 days, Ryan bravely underwent an eight-hour craniotomy in San Francisco fully awake, giving him the best chance possible. The surgery was successful and they were able to retrieve all the enhancing tumor and only a tiny portion of non-enhancing cells were left.

Now, Ryan faces the fight of his life. Brain Cancer is one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer, known for its high chance of returning even after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The road ahead is long, uncertain, and incredibly challenging.

Ryan will begin 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation together starting October. Chemotherapy will last 1 year. UCSF is conducting in-depth testing, including advanced methylation profiling, to pinpoint the exact DNA makeup of Ryan’s tumor. This information will help doctors further tailor his care.

But to truly give him the best chance at keeping this cancer from coming back, he also needs access to an additional therapy program that has shown a remarkable 90% success rate in preventing glioblastoma or HPP/ HGG recurrence… a rarity with these tumors. Unfortunately, this program is not covered by insurance. The initial cost is $15,000 during treatment alongside radiation and chemo, followed by $1,000 each month thereafter. Funds will directly go to this trial and stay in Los Angeles for the 6 weeks of daily treatment, costs related to travel for surgery, any clinical trials in another state if eligible, and hospital bills.

Ryan has always worked hard and never asks for help. But now, he needs us.

Anything you can give will make a real difference. If you cannot donate, please share Ryan’s story and keep him in your prayers or link us to additional doctors, specialists, SURVIVORS, within the Glioblastoma, Glioma, world.

Let’s make Ryan the exception to the rule, his life is worth living!

We will keep you updated as time goes on!