Help Renato Spizzirri Fight Glioblastoma

On September 30, 2024, Renato came home from work feeling unwell and unlike himself. Concerned for his health, his family rushed him to the Emergency Room where a series of tests and scans revealed unsettling news—a 4-centimeter brain mass. That evening, he was urgently transported to Mississauga Hospital for specialized care.

Just shy of his 65th birthday, Renato underwent a five-hour emergency surgery to remove 95% of the tumour. Upon waking, it was discovered that he had paralysis in his left arm.

On October 15th, Renato was devastatingly diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM).

Glioblastoma, also known as grade IV astrocytoma, is a highly malignant and rapidly growing brain tumour that originates from glial cells. Its aggressive nature stems from its rapid growth and ability to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, making it particularly challenging to treat.

Glioblastoma is currently incurable, but there are additional, proven treatments, such as Optune®, that can help extend Renato’s life beyond the standard of care he is receiving at Credit Valley Hospital.

Optune is a device used to treat glioblastoma by generating low-intensity electric fields that interfere with cancer cells ability to divide, thereby slowing the tumor's growth.

However, Optune is not covered by OHIP in Canada, and with its recent FDA approval, it’s also not covered by insurance companies. This means that patients must pay out of pocket, with the monthly cost averaging around CAD$27,000.

Renato has dedicated his life to his family, having been married to his wife, Carolin, for over 40 years. He is a devoted father to four children and a loving grandfather to five.

Anyone who knows Renato, even from a brief encounter, can see how big his heart is.

His entire life has been a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Renato wasn’t planning on retiring anytime soon—he had intended to work an additional two years. Now, however, he faces a new challenge.

Renato is determined to do whatever it takes to fight this devastating diagnosis, with his primary goal being to spend more time with his family.

His family is committed to exploring every option, which is why we’re seeking support to fund Optune. This is a critical and time-sensitive opportunity.

Renato deserves to keep thriving and enjoying a good quality of life in the years ahead.

The road ahead will be long, but Renato is the heart of our family—deeply loved by so many and deserving of hope and a fighting chance.

We need him here.

Please consider donating, sharing this page, and helping us fight for Renato’s life. It would also mean so much to him to hear your words of encouragement and support—your messages can bring him strength and hope as he faces this devastating diagnosis.

Keep him in your prayers.

Thank you for your support—it means the world to us.