This is a fundraiser to save the beautiful and loving life of our son.

Chris  — Saving a beautiful Life

Cancer — a word which no one wants to hear or include in their vocabulary. We hear it all around us and how many of the common things in our lives can cause cancer. We do not like to think about it because we have been conditioned that to contract this dreaded disease is a death sentence. Cancer can strike any part of your body, but the most feared is cancer of the brain.

One type is called a glioblastoma, even its name sounds like an alien creature. A glioblastoma is one of the worst types because it is the fastest growing cancer. This is the enemy our son is presently facing.

Chris D’Agostino was diagnosed in December of 2018 with a six centimeter tumor on his left frontal lobe. One cannot experience all that happens after hearing the diagnosis and the dim prognosis which accompanies it. Fear, anxiety, and depression takes over your life.

Questions arise as to why me? How did this happen? What was its cause? These are all questions which remain unanswered. The first thought is, “I want this out of my body.”  And that is exactly what Chris opted for. He underwent a five hour operation for the removal of the tumor.

Chris spent a month in the hospital recovering. There would be no Christmas or New Year’s celebration this season. The recovery period was an up and down cycle of pain, confusion, and an emotional roller-coaster for Chris and his family.

After 30-days Chris finally left the hospital with the warning that these tumors grow back very quickly. Chris chose not to use chemotherapy or radiation as treatments because the prognosis was not good and he was told that his quality of life would be horrendous by being plagued with headaches, vomiting, exhaustion, and possible liver problems from the powerful chemo-drugs, not to mention the complete deterioration of his immune system. He was also told that chemotherapy did not mean the tumor would not return.

Chris, Home from the Hospital Bearing the Ordeal of the Operation

Instead, Chris chose the alternative route using nutrition and supplements which have been successful in treating many cancers. The idea was to build his immune system back to the point where his body could possibly ward off future cancers. Chris’ immune system was shattered previously by a bout with Lymes disease. It was a race against time.

The alternative method is a long process that takes place over many months. Unfortunately, Chis doesn’t have the luxury of time. After three-months of convalescing, Chris’ heath improved and he gained back a lot of his strength. He then went for another MRI.

When Chris got the results, it was not what anyone wanted to hear. In those three months, the tumor began growing  back again.

It was at this point that Chris realized he needed a more aggressive approach and get the necessary testing that his oncologists did not do to determine the path he should follow.

One such clinic that does complete biochemical tests is in California. Chris lives in New York. Since all of these tests and treatments are cutting edge and new to cancer treatments, they are not covered by insurance. Why they are not covered is another story for another time.

The decision to be treated in California has brought us here to this site to reach out to the greater community and Chris’ family and friends in an effort to raise the money to literally save his life.

About Chris —

Chris is a very independent person who rarely seeks help from others. It is often the other way around — Chris is usually helping others. About 16 years ago Chris moved to the Southern Tier of New York state leaving the chaos of New York city seeking a quieter life and living off the land. Fortune was with him as a close relative had just purchased 90 acres of hilltop land in the area.

Chis was given permission to live there and build his future. He established his organic garden and later when joined by his fiancé, Sharon, and together they expanded their garden and began canning many items. Along the way, they acquired some chickens and horses. Chris’ pride and joy were the five horses. He built their large corral from rough wood obtained on the property and their stable. As usual, Chris asked for no help. He did all of the work through his sheer love of the natural order and his boundless energy and determination.

Chris and Sharon - Home and Recuperating

Part of Last Year's Garden -- There is a lot more

After Chris’ surgery, his friends and family were tending to the chickens and horses. Chris realized these tasks were burdening his family and, though reluctantly and with sadness, he decided he had to find a good home for his beloved horses. Eventually, homes were found. The night before they were to be removed from the property, Chris, unknowing to his fiancé and family, drove 70 miles through a blizzard to say goodbye to his horses. The family was so worried, they had the police check on him twice that night.

Chris Looking a Lot Better Poses with his sister, Nephew, and Friend

He always said that working with the horses kept him centered. We began calling him the “horse whisperer” and the horses seemed to know that he loved them. The family was quite alarmed at this farewell trip as Chris still had the staples and stitches in is head which were wrapped in bandages. But, we all understood why he did it — it was another sad day.

Two of Chris and Sharon's Horses -- George, the Mustang Leader

Cancer has brought about many changes in his life and in the lives of his family. One tends not to take things for granted any more. You realize the fragility of life and how important and vital the love and togetherness of a family is. Throughout the day and night, our thoughts do not stray far from Chris’ plight. It is all consuming. That is the what happens when you love someone so deeply.

Presently, Chris is convalescing at Sharon’s father’s home which is located near the hospital in which Chris had the operation. Chris and Sharon are longing to return to their mountain top abode. But before they do return, there are a number of repairs to be made. Because no one was in the home for more than three months, the pipes froze and burst over the long and very cold winter. As the warm weather slowly approaches, Chris and Sharon want to return to “Windy Hill” to start their organic garden. Chris knows that it will not be the same without his horses or chickens. He realizes that there are more important matters at hand.

THE ROAD TO HEALTH

Our first step is to consult with the doctors either in California  or possibly closer to home. An hour of consultation with any integrative doctor alone is $500. From this point, they can tell us what tests are needed, what the protocol is, and finally, an approximation of the cost. Not only are there the costs of the tests and treatments, there are also the costs of lodging and traveling to .

At this time, we are uncertain of the total cost, but our goal at this time is a minimum of $50,000 dollars. But more than anything, we want to raise the initial fee of $500 for consultation. We just found out today of a new device that sends electrical impulses through the brain which have been shown to retard the division of cancer cells. The cost — $20,000 per month — a prohibitive cost which is not covered by Chris’ insurance. This device is also one of our first possible goals. This will buy Chris the needed time.

The Optune Electro-System is getting good results in extending survivability for many years. The time gained can relieve anxiety and depression and allow Chris to pursue other avenues as many new techniques enter the medical field. The expense of this device is included in our target goal of $50,000.

Up until now, Donna and I, Chris' mother and father, have been purchasing most of his supplements, herbs, and organic foods for juicing. Our income is from Social Security.

We want to thank in advance of all the caring people who read this and contribute. Although Chris is very independent and is reluctant to ask for any help, he realizes that in this instance he must reach out to the greater community.

ESTIMATE OF COSTS (Not complete)

— Optune Electro System  — $  20,000 (Initially)
— Transportation to Clinic — $  2000  (If out of state)
— Diagnostics and Tests      — $ 15,000 - $20,000
— Lodging / Food  for 2         — $ 5000 - $7000  (If out of state)
— Misc. and Unforeseen)     — $ 5000

Because the total cost is uncertain at this time, we have chosen a target of $50,000. If the cost is less, we will end the fundraiser. If the total cost exceeds the goal, we will continue the fundraiser into the future.

Although there are many alternative clinics scattered across the country, we are also seeking some that are closer to home. This would save much money on travel and lodging. This saved money could be diverted to the costs of the expensive tests and protocols which are required.

We will be posting updates.

This fund raiser is being conducted and written by Chris’ parents, Donna and Albert.