In December, our lives changed overnight.

What began as what we thought was a severe migraine quickly escalated into something no family ever expects. Within days, Jonathan went from feeling unwell to undergoing an emergency CT scan on a Friday night—and by Monday, he was in surgery to remove a brain tumour.

Everything after that feels like a blur.

Jonathan has since been diagnosed with Astrocytoma Grade 3, an aggressive form of brain cancer. While we have been incredibly grateful for the exceptional care he has received through Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter Mac Cancer Centre—from emergency surgery to radiotherapy and chemotherapy—we have also learned the heartbreaking reality of this diagnosis. Standard treatment options offer only a limited window before recurrence, and at this stage, there is no cure.

Like many families in our position, we have been searching for ways to give Jonathan the best possible chance. At present, access to immunotherapy options or clinical trials in Australia is extremely limited and Jonathan does not qualify for any upcoming trials.

Through extensive research and conversations with fellow brain tumour patients and survivors around the world, we discovered a promising personalised immunotherapy treatment available in Germany and Lithuania. This treatment involves creating vaccines tailored specifically to Jonathan’s tumour, using its unique genetic markers.

Several patients have reported extended periods before recurrence, and in some cases, no recurrence to date. There is also growing advanced scientific research exploring the efficacy of this approach.

If you would like to learn more about the treatment, you can read about it here: https://cecava.com

The overseas clinic has reviewed Jonathan’s case and confirmed that he is a suitable candidate. They have advised that the earlier the treatment the better for the best possible outcomes, and after speaking with the Jonathan's care team at Royal Melbourne Hospital who have endorsed the approach, we have commenced the process in late February.

The first phase involves genetic analysis of the tumour (approximately four weeks), followed by vaccine production over three to four months. The full treatment plan includes 14 vaccines administered over a two-year period.

The estimated cost to access this personalised immunotherapy treatment overseas is approximately $175,000 AUD, which includes:

Tumour genetic analysis ~$35,000 ($20,000 Euro) . This includes specialised laboratory testing in Germany.

Vaccine development: ~$100,000 ($60,000 euro). This includes production of 14 personalised cancer vaccines produced in Germany.

Travel & accommodation: ~$40,000. Jonathan will need to do approximately a dozen trips to Lithuania for clinical consultations, vaccinations, monitoring and follow-up care over the two-year treatment period.

Jonathan is currently undergoing his standard care of chemotherapy and Occupational therapy, but will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.

Any funds raised will go directly toward these treatment-related expenses and help ease the financial strain on our family during this already overwhelming time.

As with all medical treatments, outcomes cannot be guaranteed. However, we are hopeful this option may give Jonathan more time, a better quality of life, more possibilities and most importantly spending time together as a family.

We are humbly asking for support to help make this treatment possible. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page will also mean so much to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support during the most difficult time of our lives.

We will do our best to share regular updates along the way. Thank you for being part of our support crew.