Fundraiser for Brian Fram

**Update: Due to complications, Brain's surgery has been pushed back another month to late November. Brain's older brother Steve will now be the stem cell donor. Steve and family will travel and stay in Toronto as well.**

Brian Fram is a 55 year old devoted husband to Dyan and father to Spencer, their 24 year old son with Autism and Developmental Delay. He is the absolute epitome of a ‘family man’ and literally everyone’s favorite neighbour. Hard-working and considerate, he never hesitates to stop to cut a lawn or shovel snow for someone in need, without a second thought. He spent many years as a very involved coach for Special Olympics, eventually branching off to form a bowling league for individuals with special needs that is still thriving today. Brian never stopped. Until he had to.

In 2021, it was discovered that Brian had extensive artery blockage requiring surgery. After a successful triple-bypass surgery in February, 2021, Brian did not recover as expected. He suffered with increasing weakness and extreme fatigue, preventing him from returning to work and the events he planned, attended, and loved, with Spencer. After several appointments, extensive tests, hospital stays and investigations, Brian was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, a rare blood disorder that causes scarring in the bone marrow and disrupts the normal production of blood cells, causing severe anemia and fatigue. The answer is a stem cell transplant. In a fitting and beautiful twist of fate, Spencer has been identified as a match and suitable candidate to help his father and hero fight back against this serious illness. Gratefully, with the treatment and guidance of a literal team of internationally renowned physicians, medications and monitoring, Brian is now strong enough to undergo the transplant. The surgery and treatment will take place at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. He will receive Chemotherapy for 6 days to prepare his body beginning October 21st, with the transplant taking place on October 27th. He will be in the hospital for a week, then required to stay in Toronto for 3 months with a caregiver, returning to the hospital every few days for close and consistent monitoring. Dyan and Spencer will stay in Toronto with him to provide support and care post-surgery.

The treatment, accommodations, and related care expenses are very substantial and far exceed any coverage provided. We are asking for help. If you know the family, you understand the importance of a full recovery for Brian, so he can finally get back to being the supportive, selfless, giving family man and friend we know and respect.