A Mom’s Fight Against Brain Tumors
Donation protected
In May 2015 my 46 year old sister Diana Perez was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor. This type of tumor is found in the cerebral hemisphere of the brain and it was the cause of her unbearable crippling headaches, nausea and dizziness. These tumors grow rapidly and are very aggressive-- the grade of Diana’s tumor is now 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the worst.
Unfortunately Glioblastomas are often not surgically curable with the only standard forms of treatment being radiation and chemotherapy. Diana’s tumor is in a difficult location and can not be surgically removed.
After completing 3 rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation, Diana’s tumor remains. Glioblastomas can be difficult to treat because the tumors contain so many different types of cells, and in her particular case the cells did not respond well to the conventional therapies that insurance companies cover.
Fortunately they are several new therapies that The American Brain Tumor Association is excited about that offer Diana real hope. One is a type of “Immunotherapy” where the body’s immune system is boosted by a drug that enhances the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells and another is a wearable portable device called an Optune which envelops the brain in a low intensity electrical field that is designed to slow or stop tumor cancer cells from multiplying and then causes them to die.
Because these treatments are newer treatments, most insurance companies refuse to cover them. Diana’s insurance will not cover the cost of either of these treatments or any other alternative therapy.
Diana has a 10 year-old daughter named Daniella and she is a single mom. She is running out of time and would like to try these therapies to have a chance at life and raising her daughter. Not only is Diana strong and courageous but she is one of the kindest and most loving people you will ever meet and she needs all of our help. Any gift no matter how small would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
God bless you!
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Unfortunately Glioblastomas are often not surgically curable with the only standard forms of treatment being radiation and chemotherapy. Diana’s tumor is in a difficult location and can not be surgically removed.
After completing 3 rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation, Diana’s tumor remains. Glioblastomas can be difficult to treat because the tumors contain so many different types of cells, and in her particular case the cells did not respond well to the conventional therapies that insurance companies cover.
Fortunately they are several new therapies that The American Brain Tumor Association is excited about that offer Diana real hope. One is a type of “Immunotherapy” where the body’s immune system is boosted by a drug that enhances the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells and another is a wearable portable device called an Optune which envelops the brain in a low intensity electrical field that is designed to slow or stop tumor cancer cells from multiplying and then causes them to die.
Because these treatments are newer treatments, most insurance companies refuse to cover them. Diana’s insurance will not cover the cost of either of these treatments or any other alternative therapy.
Diana has a 10 year-old daughter named Daniella and she is a single mom. She is running out of time and would like to try these therapies to have a chance at life and raising her daughter. Not only is Diana strong and courageous but she is one of the kindest and most loving people you will ever meet and she needs all of our help. Any gift no matter how small would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
God bless you!
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Organizer
Eli Perez
Organizer
East Elmhurst, NY
