Greg Dodge for Ian Dodge

Friends and Family, my brother Ian has been diagnosed glioblastoma. It is a very difficult type of brain cancer to treat, and despite medical treatments and technology today, it’s not considered survivable, as most patients have 12-18 months to live. Yes, there are some that surpass that statistic, living five to ten years after diagnosis, but they are very few in number. This is a very aggressive form of cancer, and despite his complete resection (removal of the tumor) the tumor cells will remain in healthy tissue and become more aggressive and new tumors will develop.

Ian’s forthcoming treatment will most likely be long and expensive. Yes, insurance will help with the treatment, but he will be away from work for the foreseeable future, his loving wife (also diagnosed with cancer this year) will take leave from work to care for him. I’m sure there will be expenses outside of his health insurance, but also financial strain from long absences from work, and partial payments from disability benefits and limited paid leave. For those of you who have reached out and offered help, there may be a time they truly need it and when that comes, it will be most likely be financial in nature, whether for treatment outside of insurance, for food, transportation, etc. I’m just looking for the best way to let those who asked to help now a means to do so. By no means is anyone receiving this request obliged to give. That is solely at your discretion. I love my brother very much and want to help too. Whatever is raised here is solely for his treatment and care while fighting for his life. The universe can seem cruel and unfair, but also generous in the individuals we are lucky to consider friends and family. Thanks!