Gary's Journey to Fight Cancer

Hi everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to stop in and read this GoFundMe page. My name is Linea and I am Gary Persson's step-daughter. Gary was recently diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. Scans confirmed the cancer growths have taken root on his pelvic bone, spine, ribs, and collarbone. There is one spot on Gary's spine that is severely advanced and has embedded so deeply, it has caused a lesion through the bone. Putting him at high risk for spinal fracture. Obviously there is a lot of pain associated with this spot and for Gary to admit that there is a lot of pain, you know it must be excruciating.

My wonderful, generous, caring, patient, hard-working and a little stubborn ;) step-dad, was informed by the radiation oncologist that radiation is not recommended, removing the cancer infested prostate is not an option, and that chemotherapy will also likely not be an option. So when the medical professionals tell you that cancer has spread throughout your body, and they do not recommend the typical western treatments....what are we left to do?!

Gary's initial blood work and scans were completed early January 2024. Unfortunately, like many large systems, the BC health system has been slow to respond. He will finally see the medical oncologist on April 24, 2024 - after 3 months of waiting....3 months of cancer spreading....3 months of stressing.

This has been difficult news to digest. It's incredibly distressing and leaves Gary and all of us, feeling uncertain of what the future holds.

Thankfully Gary and my mom have been nature and naturopathic medicine enthusiasts for years. They believe in the power of Mother Earth and everything she has to offer. As a Metis family, we recognize our connection to the land and now more than ever, we must seek support from Her. In studying natural remedies for cancer patients and seeking advice from experts in the field, we’ve learned Germany is lightyears ahead of Canada and has evidentiary studies into the effectiveness of utilizing herbals (specifically mistletoe), vitamins, and supplements at intensified quantities to actually slow the growth and kill cancer cells all together. Amazingly, a few naturopathic clinics in Canada have adopted these remedies and offer treatment services in Fort Langley, BC. The challenge, is cost.

Gary has started hormone therapy as recommended by his western doctors. Gary has also started vitamin C injections to build immunity and a unique herbal, mistletoe extract injections. European studies show mistletoe extract is used to kill tumour cells and build immunity. And Of course, these remedies are not simply accessed all in one location, so they’ve travelled between Cranbrook and Kelowna BC for application. Now for those of you who know my mom and Gary, they live south of Golden, BC. So to seek these treatments, which are weekly, they have to travel and stay with family or their travel trailer to save costs. Their next journey is to Fort Langley, where Gary will undergo several treatments. Here they will stay in their 21 foot travel trailer for 4 weeks. The treatments are conducted at the Integrated Health Clinic under the care of Dr. Sarah Soles. The plan is to increase the injections of vitamin C and mistletoe extract to intravenous application, and also add hyperthermia therapy to the treatment plan. The hyperthermia therapy heats the cells to a point where they cannot reproduce and actually makes it unbearable for the cancer cells to live, so they die. As amazing as these natural treatments are, the Canadian health system is unwilling to support financially, so my Mom and Gary will be forced to access a loan (if possible) to pay for his treatments, which are $15,000 for 4 weeks. They have already spent roughly $5000 on his current treatments, additional supplements, and travel outside of their hometown to access the services.

This is why I am here writing to you - humbly seeking support from family, friends, colleagues, community, and everyone. If anyone knows my step-dad, you know Gary would help with anything he can. He'd offer food, shelter, transportation, the clothes off his back if someone needed it. He's the first one up to offer a hand to help, an ear to listen, and joke to make you laugh. Again, if you know him, you know this.

The journey to Fort Langley and treatments start the week of March 18, 2024. We will see how the treatments go for Gary, how he responds, how much the cancer cells slow/die, and if he will need follow-up treatments. I will update the page as we learn more.

I am so very thankful for this site and to all of you who have taken the time to consider supporting; financially, in prayer, or thought. Thank you so much, please take care everyone.

Linea