- - - - GIBB NEEDS YOUR HELP - - - - 

Our dear friend, Mark Carver Gibb, originally from Toronto and a Fernie resident for 25 years, has been bravely fighting brain cancer since 2006. Mark was originally diagnosed after having back to back grand-mal seizures at home early 2006. The diagnosis then came with a discovery of an Oligodendroglimo tumor in his right frontal lobe, a less common type of brain tumor. The diagnoses came at 36 years of age and quickly took away Mark's career and required that he put his many passions on hold as he began the biggest fight of his life. At the time of his diagnosis, Mark was also significantly impacted by his loving mother’s own battle with cancer. Her treatments, pain, and suffering weighed on him heavily yet he remained unfailingly committed to her until her tragic passing four years ago.


HIS STORY
After receiving the diagnosis, Mark has bravely endured 3 brain surgeries; 2006 and 2009 in Calgary and, 2018 in Vancouver. But the neurosurgeons were unable to completely remove the tumor without leaving Mark with severe brain damage and/or motor deficits; part of the tumor continues to exist in Mark's right frontal lobe. Mark endured a year of chemotherapy and all that process entails in addition to living with brain-tumor seizures.


Mark has been determined to fight his cancer battle from a holistic approach using a naturopath oncologist and naturopathic medications; this comes from his desire to heal himself completely.

Mark’s daily regime includes anti-seizure medication, 30+ supplements, naturopathic medications, Vitamin C IV treatments, Mistle-toe injections 3 times a week, reiki, juicing, diet and more. Following the 2018 surgery, the tumor became inactive however the victory over the cancer was short-lived; the tumor has become more aggressive in the last few months and has expanded in Mark’s right frontal lobe.

Mark desperately needs treatment to fight this cancer that has returned with a vengeance to destroy his life.


HIS TREATMENT
Marks clinical team in BC is highly recommending radiation treatment immediately, specifically Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Doctors tell him the risk of IMRT side effects is severe; possible loss of vision, brain tissue death resulting in severe brain damage, severe blood clots, worsening seizures and, the potential of a new type of cancer growth.

Mark is terrified about the idea of radiation, worsened by memories of his mom’s experience. Mark and his fiancée Jodi (a nurse) have been desperately looking for new treatment options; clinical trials abroad, immunotherapy, vaccines and the possibility of another surgery. Jodi has spent countless hours reaching out to doctors around the world; sending Marks medical chart and MRI films for review and consideration for treatment, to London, Germany, Toronto and cities across the US.

Doctors continue to recommend radiation as the best course of action. Mark, and his fiancée, through a consult with doctors, have discovered Proton Therapy: a type of radiation therapy that uses protons rather than x-rays (traditional radiation) to treat various cancers.  Proton therapy poses far less risk than traditional radiation yet has proven results in treating cancers including the solid mass brain cancer Mark is a victim of.  Proton Therapy is not available in Canada



HISTORY
Mark has had to overcome many hurdles during his 14-year fight with brain cancer. Early into his battle, he had to sell his beloved snowboarding business in the Rocky Mountains of BC; unwell, having seizures, suffering stress and anxiety as related to cancer, associated surgeries and recovery periods, all cumulatively forced him to part with his dream career.

Mark's focus became his fight with brain cancer.  He became fearful of having seizures in public and, being a humble individual; he didn’t want to burden those around him as he faced this most critical of complex battles.  Mark moved to the mountains of BC to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle which for him included snowboarding, snowmobiling, and hunting. With the fear of cancer-related seizures occurring in the backcountry, Mark was forced to give up the very essence of his life; spending time in the mountains.  To add insult to injury, his seizures resulted in the loss of his driver’s license for extended periods of time taking with it, his independence and sense of dignity.


Mark has endured the 14 years of constant stress and anxiety that comes with having a terminal disease. The stress of MRI's every 3 months, the 40th MRI 10 days ago, all the unknowns, the constantly needed blood work labs, the travel and costs involved with getting to and from surgeries abroad, bounced from doctors in Alberta to Vancouver to Kelowna.  As if the battle could not get more complex, he discovered his case had been accidentally dropped by all health authorities with the constant shuffling of his case from one authority to another.

Mark and his fiancée Jodi were hoping to get married this spring and, Jodi has been planning Mark's 50th birthday in May; those dreams and celebrations are now on hold as they buckle down once again to fight this exhausting battle.  Jodi will put her career on hold as a means to fight alongside Mark, to advocate for him and, to support him as he moves on to treatment and recovery. 

The tumor is not backing down, and the outlook on survival is grim without treatment. Mark is not known for asking for help, but help is needed to get the right treatment.



HOW YOUR FUNDS WILL HELP
The hope comes from the US, the closest place to have Proton Therapy, readily available in many states. Mark and Jodi have been in contact with many different Proton Centers in the US, medical charts and MRIs have been sent to from the east coast to the west coast. Mark’s case has been reviewed and he qualifies for Proton Therapy. Proton therapy would have the potential to extend Mark’s life without the serious consequences associated with IMRT. Mark and Jodi have most recently booked a consult for treatment at the closest facility, Seattle, for late Feb 2020, however, the estimated cost for treatment is $140,000.00. Treatment would need to be daily for 6-8 weeks.

Time is running out!  The treatment can take place as soon as the consult is complete and funding is in place, so each passing day is of the essence!

To make it possible for Mark to access this treatment we need to raise $100,000.00. Unfortunately, Mark and Jodi’s personal finances won’t cover all the costs involved with treatment. We are, on their behalf, requesting financial support to allow Mark to get the treatment he desperately needs.  We recognize that the goal here is high however we have faith that even the smallest gesture will make a difference and that there is strength in numbers and community. We ask that you consider making a donation and, to share Mark’s story far and wide.

Thank you SO MUCH for your generosity and support.

Gibb’s Support Team