Do it for Rob!
Donation protected
2020 is a year most of us would rather forget. But for one of our extended families, this declaration is indeed an understatement. The Immerman family was given news that would change their world as never before. Rob Immerman, husband of Crystal and father of Grace (15 – WCFC player) and Eli (13), was diagnosed with brain cancer; a grade 4 Glioblastoma tumor.
On March 27th, Rob had a brain resection at Hoag Hospital to remove as much of the tumor that his doctors could remove without affecting brain function. After surgery Rob was admitted into a clinical trial through Hoag to rid his body of what remained. While on the clinical trial, Rob experienced extreme side effects and shortly thereafter had to be withdrawn from the trial.
The Immerman Family continued their research to find the best care and treatment options available. Through the help of a dear friend Rob was referred to the head of UCI’s Neuro Oncology Department. UCI offered greater expertise for Rob’s specific cancer and offered more treatment options in addition to more advanced clinical trials.
Rob then began a rigorous 6-week schedule of daily radiation and oral chemotherapy treatments in the hopes that this would help shrink the tumor that remained in Rob’s brain. However, by late July, the Immerman’s learned that Rob’s tumor was progressing (growing) and a 2nd brain surgery was necessary.
After the second brain surgery on August 4th Rob was then accepted into an advanced phase 3 clinical trial through UCI. This trial was promising and did its job for at least two months. However, early in December Rob started experiencing some slight memory loss and vision problems. An MRI revealed a devastating blow; his cancerous tumor was back yet again. Rob’s current treatment is what his team is calling a “standard of care” which consists of chemo and immunotherapy infusions every 12-14 days. His medical team has also applied for another clinical trial. It’s not clear at this point in time if he will be accepted into the trial. The family is waiting to hear back from MD Anderson. If Rob is not accepted into the trial the oncology team will begin a very aggressive treatment schedule and will discuss if Rob would be a candidate for a 3rd brain surgery and possibly additional radiation therapy.
It is true that lots of people in the world are now struggling given the ravages of the CoVid virus. Rob was actually diagnosed with COVID in late November. Just imagine if you will, what fighting cancer during this trying time would be like. Unimaginable. The Immerman Family clearly needs our help as they are now laser focused on Rob’s treatment. Jobs and income have to come 2nd during this critical time. Survival is (and should be) their primary focus right now. But as we all know, medical treatment is expensive. Cancer treatment even more so. Having known the Immerman’s for the past decade, we’ve come to love them and know that many others feel the same as we do. I can think of no other better thing to spend extra funds on at this time than trying to help these friends, who are truly in need.
Our goal in helping the Immerman’s is to raise 75k dollars to help them with their medical bills, and to help support them down the road if Rob’s condition worsens. We humbly thank you for considering this as you work to keep your own families safe during this trying time.
On March 27th, Rob had a brain resection at Hoag Hospital to remove as much of the tumor that his doctors could remove without affecting brain function. After surgery Rob was admitted into a clinical trial through Hoag to rid his body of what remained. While on the clinical trial, Rob experienced extreme side effects and shortly thereafter had to be withdrawn from the trial.
The Immerman Family continued their research to find the best care and treatment options available. Through the help of a dear friend Rob was referred to the head of UCI’s Neuro Oncology Department. UCI offered greater expertise for Rob’s specific cancer and offered more treatment options in addition to more advanced clinical trials.
Rob then began a rigorous 6-week schedule of daily radiation and oral chemotherapy treatments in the hopes that this would help shrink the tumor that remained in Rob’s brain. However, by late July, the Immerman’s learned that Rob’s tumor was progressing (growing) and a 2nd brain surgery was necessary.
After the second brain surgery on August 4th Rob was then accepted into an advanced phase 3 clinical trial through UCI. This trial was promising and did its job for at least two months. However, early in December Rob started experiencing some slight memory loss and vision problems. An MRI revealed a devastating blow; his cancerous tumor was back yet again. Rob’s current treatment is what his team is calling a “standard of care” which consists of chemo and immunotherapy infusions every 12-14 days. His medical team has also applied for another clinical trial. It’s not clear at this point in time if he will be accepted into the trial. The family is waiting to hear back from MD Anderson. If Rob is not accepted into the trial the oncology team will begin a very aggressive treatment schedule and will discuss if Rob would be a candidate for a 3rd brain surgery and possibly additional radiation therapy.
It is true that lots of people in the world are now struggling given the ravages of the CoVid virus. Rob was actually diagnosed with COVID in late November. Just imagine if you will, what fighting cancer during this trying time would be like. Unimaginable. The Immerman Family clearly needs our help as they are now laser focused on Rob’s treatment. Jobs and income have to come 2nd during this critical time. Survival is (and should be) their primary focus right now. But as we all know, medical treatment is expensive. Cancer treatment even more so. Having known the Immerman’s for the past decade, we’ve come to love them and know that many others feel the same as we do. I can think of no other better thing to spend extra funds on at this time than trying to help these friends, who are truly in need.
Our goal in helping the Immerman’s is to raise 75k dollars to help them with their medical bills, and to help support them down the road if Rob’s condition worsens. We humbly thank you for considering this as you work to keep your own families safe during this trying time.
Co-organizers (2)
Joe Briganti
Organizer
San Clemente, CA
Crystal Immerman
Beneficiary
Scott Puff
Co-organizer