Antonio and Brain Cancer
Donation protected
Dear Friends and family, on May 26, 2018, Antonio experienced a seizure while at work. Before this, he had been preparing for his first “Men’s Physique Competition.” Antonio has always made taking care of his body a priority, so this came as a stunning blow. After his seizure, we took Antonio to Conroe Medical Center. Fortunately, he was able to receive treatment even though he had no health insurance. At that time, doctors found a brain tumor. His doctor recommended that Antonio go to MD Anderson to see Dr. Frederick Lang.At MD Anderson, Dr. Lang determined that Antonio’s tumor was located on the left hemisphere (the part that controls motor function on the right side of the body), in an area that affects speech initiation. We found out that he could become paralyzed and lose the ability to speak if the tumor was not removed.
On August 20, Antonio underwent brain surgery. Doctors were able to remove 95% of the tumor without permanently damaging his major functions. Dr. Lang confirmed that the tumor was cancerous, and that Antonio has a rare type of cancer (stage 2 Astrocytoma). Antonio was devastated when he realized that he was not able to move his right leg immediately following surgery. The doctor said that Antonio would need physical therapy to heal his leg. After many prayers, doctor recommendations, physical therapy, and Antonio’s sheer will to persevere, he regained strength and the ability to use his leg. 10 days after surgery, Antonio was able to walk out of the hospital on his own!
Despite all the success and the miracles that God has already worked throughout Antonio’s ordeal, Antonio still has a long road to recovery. His right leg is still not completely healed, so he will continue to need physical therapy. Doctors were able to remove 95% of Antonio’s tumor, living 5% of the tumor still in his brain. Therefore, he will need to undergo 6 weeks of radiation, followed by 1 year of chemotherapy to prevent the spread of the cancer.
Due to the seizures he has suffered, Antonio cannot legally drive until December 2018, given that his leg is fully functional. Due to his inability to drive and the toll that therapy will take on him, he will not be able to hold a job until all his treatments are completed. He has several medical bills to pay from his time and treatment at Conroe Medical Center, some of his regular bills have been put on hold, accumulating interest and more bills are coming. We as his parents have helped him with some bills, but unfortunately, cancer treatment is not cheap and travel expenses are becoming overwhelming since we live 54 miles from MD Anderson where his treatments are taking place. We strongly believe that family should take care of family, so we will continue to do everything in our power to provide for Antonio. We are asking for help from you all (his family, friends and anyone else who understand what we are going through). Any amount (no matter how small) you can contribute would be greatly appreciated and helpful. Please join us in helping Antonio fight and beat this cancer! He has enrolled in 1 community college class to keep his spirits up and to provide a welcome distraction. He cannot wait to get healthy and hopes to restart training for “Men’s Physique Competition” as soon as possible. Help make his dream come true! Thanks in advance, for taking time to read this and for your continued love, prayers, and support.
Organizer
Blass Evelin
Organizer
Conroe, TX
