Drew's medical assistance
Donation protected
It is so difficult to sit down and write about a friend, let alone our dear friend Andrew Sammons, who is facing the fight of his life. As many of you know, Drew has recently been diagnosed with stage four Glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Despite this diagnosis, he continues to face life head on with hope and passion.
A gifted and compassionate music therapist, Drew has served the severely mentally ill for years in the Napa community. Yet, he is also so much more… He is a talented musician, passionate friend, loving son and brother, avid skateboarder, deep thinker, committed athlete and spiritual yogi.
Many of us have been lucky enough to share some special moments with Drew. Each of us has experienced a unique side of him. When asked to describe what made those moments so special, here is what a few of his friends said:
“The thing I love most about Drew is that he always pushes me to think about things in a different way. He's never satisfied with the conventional ways of thinking about any certain thing. He always sees more.”
“I think of his commitment to others, his willingness to give of self, and his heart, so big, so loving.”
“Drew's jazz guitar solos are the reason I moved to Napa.”
“I have met few people equal to Drew in his constant determination to take what he knows and loves and to translate it into making meaningful change in the world and the lives of the people around him.”
“It's always fun to hang out with Drew. Expect doing a physical activity hanging with him. And he does a mean pincha!”
“Drew does not let pride or stubbornness interfere with self-reflection and growth. He is truly a student of life who I have watched evolve into one of the most loving, thoughtful men I know.”
For a guy who is so filled with life and loved by so many, it is hard to see him facing this next phase of his journey. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), accounts for about 20% of all intracranial brain tumors. It is often diagnosed in middle adult life. In typical, Drew-like fashion, he has made light of the situation by naming his tumor, Laura Croft, Tumor Raider. His tumor is a highly malignant tumor, which generally infiltrates the brain. Unfortunately, the natural history of GBM's is well known. Less than 1/5 of patients survive 1 year after the onset of symptoms, and only 10% beyond 2 years. Drew’s treatment consists of debulking Laura Croft, which should prolong survival. Usually a maximally feasible resection is combined with external beam radiation and chemotherapy. It is our hope that Drew’s localized irradiation treatment will increase survival by approximately 5 months. For more information on GBM please refer to the following link.
http://archive.sciencewatch.com/dr/nhp/2011/11marnhp/11marnhpHayeET/
As Drew continues to fight through radiation, chemotherapy and all the ramifications of this diagnosis, he forces himself to stay active and present in as many of his previous passions as possible. You may see him at the yoga studio or on a run; what might not be as visible is his struggle within. While there is not much we can do to fight his cancer for him, what we can do is to help with uncovered medical expenses, which are quickly growing. As you can imagine, Drew’s journey is a difficult one and having the support of friends and family is both necessary and genuinely appreciated. Any and all donations will make a difference. For someone who has given so much to others, now is the time that Drew needs our help. Please join us in our continued support of Andrew Sammons. Thank you.
A gifted and compassionate music therapist, Drew has served the severely mentally ill for years in the Napa community. Yet, he is also so much more… He is a talented musician, passionate friend, loving son and brother, avid skateboarder, deep thinker, committed athlete and spiritual yogi.
Many of us have been lucky enough to share some special moments with Drew. Each of us has experienced a unique side of him. When asked to describe what made those moments so special, here is what a few of his friends said:
“The thing I love most about Drew is that he always pushes me to think about things in a different way. He's never satisfied with the conventional ways of thinking about any certain thing. He always sees more.”
“I think of his commitment to others, his willingness to give of self, and his heart, so big, so loving.”
“Drew's jazz guitar solos are the reason I moved to Napa.”
“I have met few people equal to Drew in his constant determination to take what he knows and loves and to translate it into making meaningful change in the world and the lives of the people around him.”
“It's always fun to hang out with Drew. Expect doing a physical activity hanging with him. And he does a mean pincha!”
“Drew does not let pride or stubbornness interfere with self-reflection and growth. He is truly a student of life who I have watched evolve into one of the most loving, thoughtful men I know.”
For a guy who is so filled with life and loved by so many, it is hard to see him facing this next phase of his journey. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), accounts for about 20% of all intracranial brain tumors. It is often diagnosed in middle adult life. In typical, Drew-like fashion, he has made light of the situation by naming his tumor, Laura Croft, Tumor Raider. His tumor is a highly malignant tumor, which generally infiltrates the brain. Unfortunately, the natural history of GBM's is well known. Less than 1/5 of patients survive 1 year after the onset of symptoms, and only 10% beyond 2 years. Drew’s treatment consists of debulking Laura Croft, which should prolong survival. Usually a maximally feasible resection is combined with external beam radiation and chemotherapy. It is our hope that Drew’s localized irradiation treatment will increase survival by approximately 5 months. For more information on GBM please refer to the following link.
http://archive.sciencewatch.com/dr/nhp/2011/11marnhp/11marnhpHayeET/
As Drew continues to fight through radiation, chemotherapy and all the ramifications of this diagnosis, he forces himself to stay active and present in as many of his previous passions as possible. You may see him at the yoga studio or on a run; what might not be as visible is his struggle within. While there is not much we can do to fight his cancer for him, what we can do is to help with uncovered medical expenses, which are quickly growing. As you can imagine, Drew’s journey is a difficult one and having the support of friends and family is both necessary and genuinely appreciated. Any and all donations will make a difference. For someone who has given so much to others, now is the time that Drew needs our help. Please join us in our continued support of Andrew Sammons. Thank you.
Organizer
Andrew Sammons
Organizer
Napa, CA