Brett Copp vs the Brain Tumor
Donation protected
This GoFundMe is to help the Jason Copp family with the expenses related to the treatment of their son, Brett's, brain cancer (Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM).
A Little About Brett
Brett Copp is a funny, sweet, charismatic, loving fourteen-year-old who just finished junior high. He lives with his dad, Jason (an Airman and part of the Special Forces community at Fort Bragg), in Pinehurst, NC during the school year and spends time with his mom, Beth, and his brothers, Alec and Braxton, in Ohio during the summer. He loves to cook (he wants to become a chef!), hang out with friends, play video games, scuba dive, and get into trouble at his grandma's farm.
This summer Brett was supposed to be preparing for his first year of high school. He was going to take drivers education, go camping, and take a trip to Florida with his dad and brothers. Instead, Brett has spent weeks in the hospital having numerous surgeries after being diagnosed with brain cancer - specifically, a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).
How it Started
Brett began having headaches this spring. His dad, Jason, took him to their doctor in North Carolina. The doctor thought the pain was from allergies and suggested an over the counter allergy medication.
On June 4th2018, allergy medications in hand, Brett traveled to Ohio to spend time with his mom and brothers. Later that week, Brett began to struggle with nausea and his mother took him to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed him with an ear infection and Brett was given antibiotics as well as new allergy medication.
A week later, Brett's mom took him and his brothers on a camping trip to Pennsylvania. During the trip Brett once again became nauseous. On June 10th, his mom took him to a hospital in Clearfield, PA where they gave him steroids for his ear infection along with an IV and then released him. Brett felt better and continued camping with his family.
After returning from camping, Brett would still occasionally feel upset to his stomach, but the family thought it was from his ear infection. On June 22nd, Brett made the trip to Iowa to spend time with his grandpa. However, on June 23rd, Brett began vomiting uncontrollably and was rushed to University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City.
When Brett Was Diagnosed
At Stead Family Children's Hospital, they conducted an MRI. Brett was kept in the hospital over the weekend while he and his family anxiously waited for the results. His parents were notified Brett had a mass on his brain and surgery to remove the brain tumor was scheduled.
On June 26, Brett had surgery to remove the tumor. What was supposed to be a five-hour surgery turned into a terrifying thirteen-hour waiting game while surgeons tried to remove the brain tumor.
A biopsy of the tumor was taken and a week later it was confirmed that Brett had a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).
What is a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Glioblastoma Multiforme is an aggressive brain cancer that can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, speech problems and even seizures. Surgery alone cannot remove the entirety of the tumor because glioblastoma grows on healthy brain tissue. This means chemotherapy, radiation, and other forms of aggressive treatment are needed to fight the tumor. Glioblastoma Multiforme is VERY rare in children.
Brett's Treatment So Far
Brett has had three surgeries:
The first surgery took four hours. This surgery was to place an EVD (external ventricular drain) to drain brain fluid. This allowed enough pressure to be taken off his brain so the doctors could prepare for the surgery to remove the tumor.
The second surgery was scheduled for five hours but ended up taking over thirteen hours. This surgery was to remove the brain tumor.
The third surgery took five hours. This surgery was to place a permanent shunt (tube) that runs from Brett's brain to his stomach. This allows the excess brain fluid he is unable to absorb to drain into his stomach.
What is Next
Brett has now been transferred to Duke Medical Center in North Carolina. On July 19th, Brett and his dad met with the Duke Medical team (including neuro-oncology director and staff, neuro-surgery director and staff, and radiation director and staff) and discussed what his immediate treatment plan would be as well as the side effects, prospects, etc.
Brett's first treatments will be a type of chemotherapy (Temozolomide) in pill form and radiation daily for six to seven weeks at Duke. The doctors have informed the family that this has about a 25% chance of working on Brett's glioblastoma. There will be more treatments after the initial chemo and radiation for approximately one year, but the doctors are hopeful that Brett will be able to return to normal activities after a few weeks post radiation.
How You Can Help
Any donation size is helpful. Three $10 donations equal $30. That could be one less meal the family has to pay for.
If you are unable to contribute monetarily you can share Brett's GoFundMe page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even through text. GoFundMe believes "Sharing your GoFundMe on Facebook can increase donations by 350%."
Don't have a social media account? Try talking to someone in person. GoFundMe predicts, "a face to face ask is 34 times more effective than an email." The more people who hear about Brett's story means more donations. Every little bit helps!
How Will the Funds Be Used
Brett's journey is just beginning. Instead of taking drivers ed with his friends Brett is going to start chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Instead of going to movies on the weekend or staying up all night playing video games he will be spending countless days, weeks, months, in and out of the hospital.
The first round of treatment is going to last approximately one year with multiple trips and stays in the Durham area which will be extremely costly. For example, during Brett's first six to seven week chemo and radiation treatments the doctors said Brett would not be able to handle the three to four hours every day it would take to travel for his treatments. His dad has found lodging close to the hospital that could hold the family, but it will cost approximately $4,000 for the first six weeks. That is just a place to stay, that does not include meals.
His dad is also getting an in-home tutor for Brett so he will not fall behind when he is too ill to go to school.
Because Brett's mom and brothers live in Ohio, there will be numerous travel costs. Road trip costs include money for gas, food, and hotel. That doesn't take into consideration any emergency trips when the family will have to pay for last minute airline tickets. The closest major airports to his mom's home in Ohio is Detroit, MI or Cleveland, OH. The nearest major airport to Duke Medical Center and Brett's home in Pinehurst is Raleigh, NC. Last minute airfare for three people (Brett's mom and two brothers) from Detroit to Raleigh is approximately $1500. That is a conservative quote.
Brett's mother will also have to take unpaid days off of work to travel to see her son. And when his brothers are unable to make the trip the family will need to find childcare.
Help Brett and His Family!
While some of the costs may be small (a tank of gas may cost less than $50) everything adds up. Brett's family shouldn't have to worry if they can afford a last minute flight for an emergency procedure or be concerned about how much debt they will accrue living near the hospital while Brett has treatments. By supporting Brett's GoFundMe you're helping Brett and his family concentrate on beating cancer instead of agonizing over their bank account. This summer Brett and his family have been living a nightmare. Help us lift the burden just a little.
Brett with his brothers Braxton and Alec (2017)
Brett and his dad, Jason Copp (2018)
Brett with his mom, Beth, and brothers, Braxton and Alec (2016)
Brett celebrating his 14th birthday this year (2018)
Brett scuba diving in Florida (2016)
Brett camping in North Carolina with his dad and brothers (2016)
Brett with his dad and brothers (2017)
Brett on vacation with his dad and brothers (2017)
Brett and his dad (2017)
Brett getting some sun during his stay at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City (June 2018)
Brett showing off his special "Brett's Get Well Pillow" while at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City (June 2018)
A Little About Brett
Brett Copp is a funny, sweet, charismatic, loving fourteen-year-old who just finished junior high. He lives with his dad, Jason (an Airman and part of the Special Forces community at Fort Bragg), in Pinehurst, NC during the school year and spends time with his mom, Beth, and his brothers, Alec and Braxton, in Ohio during the summer. He loves to cook (he wants to become a chef!), hang out with friends, play video games, scuba dive, and get into trouble at his grandma's farm.
This summer Brett was supposed to be preparing for his first year of high school. He was going to take drivers education, go camping, and take a trip to Florida with his dad and brothers. Instead, Brett has spent weeks in the hospital having numerous surgeries after being diagnosed with brain cancer - specifically, a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).
How it Started
Brett began having headaches this spring. His dad, Jason, took him to their doctor in North Carolina. The doctor thought the pain was from allergies and suggested an over the counter allergy medication.
On June 4th2018, allergy medications in hand, Brett traveled to Ohio to spend time with his mom and brothers. Later that week, Brett began to struggle with nausea and his mother took him to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed him with an ear infection and Brett was given antibiotics as well as new allergy medication.
A week later, Brett's mom took him and his brothers on a camping trip to Pennsylvania. During the trip Brett once again became nauseous. On June 10th, his mom took him to a hospital in Clearfield, PA where they gave him steroids for his ear infection along with an IV and then released him. Brett felt better and continued camping with his family.
After returning from camping, Brett would still occasionally feel upset to his stomach, but the family thought it was from his ear infection. On June 22nd, Brett made the trip to Iowa to spend time with his grandpa. However, on June 23rd, Brett began vomiting uncontrollably and was rushed to University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City.
When Brett Was Diagnosed
At Stead Family Children's Hospital, they conducted an MRI. Brett was kept in the hospital over the weekend while he and his family anxiously waited for the results. His parents were notified Brett had a mass on his brain and surgery to remove the brain tumor was scheduled.
On June 26, Brett had surgery to remove the tumor. What was supposed to be a five-hour surgery turned into a terrifying thirteen-hour waiting game while surgeons tried to remove the brain tumor.
A biopsy of the tumor was taken and a week later it was confirmed that Brett had a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).
What is a Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Glioblastoma Multiforme is an aggressive brain cancer that can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, speech problems and even seizures. Surgery alone cannot remove the entirety of the tumor because glioblastoma grows on healthy brain tissue. This means chemotherapy, radiation, and other forms of aggressive treatment are needed to fight the tumor. Glioblastoma Multiforme is VERY rare in children.
Brett's Treatment So Far
Brett has had three surgeries:
The first surgery took four hours. This surgery was to place an EVD (external ventricular drain) to drain brain fluid. This allowed enough pressure to be taken off his brain so the doctors could prepare for the surgery to remove the tumor.
The second surgery was scheduled for five hours but ended up taking over thirteen hours. This surgery was to remove the brain tumor.
The third surgery took five hours. This surgery was to place a permanent shunt (tube) that runs from Brett's brain to his stomach. This allows the excess brain fluid he is unable to absorb to drain into his stomach.
What is Next
Brett has now been transferred to Duke Medical Center in North Carolina. On July 19th, Brett and his dad met with the Duke Medical team (including neuro-oncology director and staff, neuro-surgery director and staff, and radiation director and staff) and discussed what his immediate treatment plan would be as well as the side effects, prospects, etc.
Brett's first treatments will be a type of chemotherapy (Temozolomide) in pill form and radiation daily for six to seven weeks at Duke. The doctors have informed the family that this has about a 25% chance of working on Brett's glioblastoma. There will be more treatments after the initial chemo and radiation for approximately one year, but the doctors are hopeful that Brett will be able to return to normal activities after a few weeks post radiation.
How You Can Help
Any donation size is helpful. Three $10 donations equal $30. That could be one less meal the family has to pay for.
If you are unable to contribute monetarily you can share Brett's GoFundMe page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even through text. GoFundMe believes "Sharing your GoFundMe on Facebook can increase donations by 350%."
Don't have a social media account? Try talking to someone in person. GoFundMe predicts, "a face to face ask is 34 times more effective than an email." The more people who hear about Brett's story means more donations. Every little bit helps!
How Will the Funds Be Used
Brett's journey is just beginning. Instead of taking drivers ed with his friends Brett is going to start chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Instead of going to movies on the weekend or staying up all night playing video games he will be spending countless days, weeks, months, in and out of the hospital.
The first round of treatment is going to last approximately one year with multiple trips and stays in the Durham area which will be extremely costly. For example, during Brett's first six to seven week chemo and radiation treatments the doctors said Brett would not be able to handle the three to four hours every day it would take to travel for his treatments. His dad has found lodging close to the hospital that could hold the family, but it will cost approximately $4,000 for the first six weeks. That is just a place to stay, that does not include meals.
His dad is also getting an in-home tutor for Brett so he will not fall behind when he is too ill to go to school.
Because Brett's mom and brothers live in Ohio, there will be numerous travel costs. Road trip costs include money for gas, food, and hotel. That doesn't take into consideration any emergency trips when the family will have to pay for last minute airline tickets. The closest major airports to his mom's home in Ohio is Detroit, MI or Cleveland, OH. The nearest major airport to Duke Medical Center and Brett's home in Pinehurst is Raleigh, NC. Last minute airfare for three people (Brett's mom and two brothers) from Detroit to Raleigh is approximately $1500. That is a conservative quote.
Brett's mother will also have to take unpaid days off of work to travel to see her son. And when his brothers are unable to make the trip the family will need to find childcare.
Help Brett and His Family!
While some of the costs may be small (a tank of gas may cost less than $50) everything adds up. Brett's family shouldn't have to worry if they can afford a last minute flight for an emergency procedure or be concerned about how much debt they will accrue living near the hospital while Brett has treatments. By supporting Brett's GoFundMe you're helping Brett and his family concentrate on beating cancer instead of agonizing over their bank account. This summer Brett and his family have been living a nightmare. Help us lift the burden just a little.
Brett with his brothers Braxton and Alec (2017)Brett and his dad, Jason Copp (2018)Brett with his mom, Beth, and brothers, Braxton and Alec (2016)Brett celebrating his 14th birthday this year (2018)Brett scuba diving in Florida (2016)Brett camping in North Carolina with his dad and brothers (2016)Brett with his dad and brothers (2017)Brett on vacation with his dad and brothers (2017)Brett and his dad (2017)Brett getting some sun during his stay at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City (June 2018)Brett showing off his special "Brett's Get Well Pillow" while at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City (June 2018)Organizer and beneficiary
Meagan Burgad-Gerber
Organizer
Pinehurst, NC
Jason Copp
Beneficiary