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Tristan the Brave- Fighting Cancer

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Tristan Damasio, is a loving, kind, gentle and playful three-year-old boy. He loves spending his days visiting family, being silly, learning about animals, collecting toy characters from his favourite shows so he can act out their adventures, and caring for his baby sister Amelie.

Looking back, his parents Marie and Cody Damasio will say there was always signs that indicated something was affecting their little boy’s development. He was always so incredibly bright and affectionate, yet was dealt with so many roadblocks to overcome. His family was always told not to worry, that all kids have different times for developing, that most will work itself out. That was until Tristan’s eye turned inward the week Amelie was born. They were given yet another misdiagnosis, this time of “Duane’s Syndrome”. Cody and Marie knew there was a bigger picture and fought for four long months for a second opinion and an MRI. During this time Tristan’s health declined and he lost his ability to stand or walk on his own. On October 21st of 2015 Tristan got his MRI. His Parents were taken aside and told words no parent should ever hear. “I’m sorry but Tristan has a Brain tumor, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) it’s terminal and there is no known cure.” Tristan was given 3-12 months to live with immediate Radiotherapy as the tumor had severely progressed. A course of 30 days of radiation bought the desperate family some time to make memories, eased his symptoms and gave his parents a chance to search for his cure. They were told that he might see Christmas but it was very unlikely that he would reach his 4th birthday.

Refusing to give up his parents consulted with numerous cancer specialists, an organic chemist, holistic practitioners and healers around the world. With the knowledge gained, Tristan’s days are now spent following a strict diet and an extensive health protocol. One year has passed since the onset of DIPG symptoms and Tristan is not only stable, but is showing significant signs of improvement. He has joyfully surprised all of his doctors and family with how well he has been responding to treatments. In order for Tristan to continue healing Marie and Cody spend upwards of $5,000 a month with expenses still growing alongside his protocol.

The only medical advances specific to DIPG in 30 years are limited to clinical trials abroad. They are risky but show hope for a cure. All expenses fall on the participating family. The Damasio’s needs upward of $200,000 for this road to be considered. Those funds will pay for surgery, medications, nutrition, rehabilitation, housing and travel expenses throughout the duration of the trial. The Damasio family is a long way from that financial ability. We must act fast as time is not on their side.. Please help support their determination, donate generously and join hands with the Damasio family in the fight against DIPG. Tristan will be the change that is needed, he will continue to beat the odds. Let’s celebrate Tristan's fourth birthday with him, so many more will follow.

Please support Tristan and the Damasio family in the enormous expenses that childhood cancer can take on.  Your money will help more than you could ever imagine. The funds will be used for treatment, therapy, quality of life and to make memories as a family.

A prayer and plea to anyone who can offer any help to our beautiful Tristan . It means the world to the Damasio family as they begin the fight of his life and help to give him the life he deserves. They will be forever grateful to you for your donations and ask for your prayers for Tristan. May God bless you. 
 
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Organizer

Marie Damásio
Organizer
Burlington, ON

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