Help Daniel Gordon Fight Brain Cancer

We are reaching out to you on behalf of Dan Gordon, affectionately known as “Gordo". At just 33 years old, Dan has been diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) with a H3 K27M mutation.

A rare, aggressive, incurable glioma, due to its location in the thalamus and brainstem, surgery to remove the tumour is not possible as the tumour is embedded among brain regions essential for life including control of breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Presenting to the emergency department with no concerning symptoms aside from mild concussion following a knock to the head playing local finals footy, a series of images from Dan’s scans showed a large tumour growth and obstructive hydrocephalus. Following a biopsy of the tumour tissue, a VP shunt was inserted in his brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Dan has always been a beacon of positivity, the heart of many circles, and a steadfast friend. Whether you know him for his love of footy, his infectious spirit, or his unwavering loyalty, one thing is certain – he's someone who lights up any room he enters.

Now, our beloved Dan is facing the fight of his life, and we're rallying together to support him. While he confronts the immense challenges that come with battling this aggressive form of cancer, we want to alleviate some of the financial burdens that often accompany such a journey.

Medical bills, treatment costs, and the day-to-day expenses of life can quickly become overwhelming. By contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, you can help provide Dan and his wife Athena with the peace of mind and financial stability needed to focus entirely on his health and journey ahead.

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TREATMENT OPTIONS IN AUSTRALIA

RADIATION a standard therapy to halt progression and reduce tumour bulk to minimise symptoms. Dan will undertake six weeks of radiation receiving treatment five days per week.

TEMOZOLOMIDE a standard adjuvant oral chemotherapy treatment which Dan will take along with radiation.

TREATMENT OPTIONS IN GERMANY

ONC201 a Phase III drug which will be prescribed to Dan under the supervision of Dr. Jürgen Arnhold, the prescribing oncologist in Germany. Early results in brain cancer clinical trials suggest this drug can target and kill cancer cells but not normal cells and may be more effective in patients with the H3 K27M specific gene mutation.

ONC206 is a Phase I drug, next generation of ONC201, preclinical studies suggest that the investigational drug is likely to be orally bioavailable, penetrate the blood-brain barrier, demonstrate a well-tolerated safety profile, and selectively antagonise dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2).

CAR T CELL THERAPY this type of therapy uses immune cells which can be removed from Dan's bloodstream and then modified to attack a particular protein on the surface of the cancer cells before being delivered back into his body. This is an emerging therapeutic option for Diffuse Midline Glioma.

TREATMENT OPTIONS IN UNITED STATES

MICRONEUROSURGERY the risk of any surgical procedure is extremely high and something we are not currently considering for Dan due to the extremity of limitations and for his safety. Improvements in imaging modalities and microsurgical techniques have brought about new targeted cranial approaches in America. As microsurgical techniques continue to progress, more effective surgical approaches to thalamic tumors have become achievable and so this may be a treatment option we choose to explore at a later date through UW Health University Hospital Madison, Wisconsin.

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Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference in Dan's life. Let's come together as a community to show our support for this incredible friend, husband, brother, and son. Your generosity will help ensure that Dan can access the best possible treatments here in Australia and abroad and concentrate on his battle against brain cancer.

Please join us in the fight for Dan’s life. Together, we can make a positive impact during this challenging time. Share this campaign with your friends, family, and colleagues to spread the word, and let's ensure that Dan gets the support he needs and deserves.

Thank you for your kindness, love, and generosity.