It's Heather, Bailey's mom. Please see Bailey's story below.

Bailey’s Fight: Love, Strength, and Hope

On February 17, 2025, our world shifted. Bailey was taken to the emergency room for an urgent MRI after noticing changes in his peripheral vision. A few weeks earlier, he had a migraine—something that seemed harmless at the time. But when the MRI results came back, our fears became reality: there was a mass on his brain. That night, Bailey was admitted to the hospital, and over the next few days, he faced countless tests, including a brain biopsy on February 21.

Then, on March 5, we received the news no family ever wants to hear. Bailey has Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), H3 K27M-altered, WHO Grade 4. It’s a rare and aggressive brain tumor, most often diagnosed in children between the ages of 4 and 8. But Bailey is 24. His case is even rarer, and like everything else in his life, he faces it with strength, courage, and an unbreakable spirit.

A Path Forward: Fighting for Options

This diagnosis is devastating. It doesn’t play fair. But neither does Bailey. He’s always been a fighter, and this will be no different. While we’re still in the early days of navigating this journey, one thing is clear: hope lies in clinical trials. Bailey’s neuro-oncologist has confirmed that clinical trials offer the most hope, and his team is already reaching out to some of the top programs. Because DMG is typically found in children, most trials have an age limit of 21—but along with his care team we’re fighting to break down those barriers. We are also exploring ONC201, a promising drug that could be available through expanded access.

In the meantime, Bailey will begin radiation therapy, which, while not a cure, can slow the tumor’s progression. Ideally, radiation will be combined with ONC201 to give him the best possible chance.

Bailey’s Wish: To Live Fully, Without Fear

Despite everything, Bailey is still Bailey. He’s not his diagnosis. He’s the same person who lights up every room he walks into, who makes you laugh until your stomach hurts, who asks about your day because he genuinely cares. If you see him, don’t treat him differently. He doesn’t want pity—he wants life. He wants hugs, laughter, stories about your latest vacation, inside jokes, and ridiculous debates about movies and music.

He also wants to experience as much as possible—to visit his favorite places, explore new ones, and create memories that transcend this diagnosis. Some of his desires include visiting local museums, zoos, and Shedd Aquarium, dining at his favorite restaurants, and traveling to Europe and Australia. If accepted into a clinical trial, we may need to travel to California, Washington, or Ohio, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get him there.

How You Can Help

So many of you have asked how you can support Bailey and our family. The truth is, we are incredibly blessed—with love, with an unwavering support system, and, thankfully, with good insurance. Right now, what we need most is your continued prayers, faith, and hope. Keep Bailey in your thoughts. Speak his name with strength. Believe in him as fiercely as he believes in living.

Bailey is a fighter, and we will fight with him. This battle isn’t just his—it’s ours. And we will not back down.

For those who have asked how they can support Bailey beyond love and prayers, if you feel inclined to contribute toward his experiences and travel for clinical trials, donations can be made through GoFundMe or via Venmo @bunkerh1. These will be transferred to a dedicated account set up specifically for Bailey’s journey.

Every message, every prayer, and every act of kindness means the world to us. Thank you for standing with Bailey.