Hello, as you some of you know, my name is Frank Betsina. One of Dillon’s four older brothers.

My brother Dillon was diagnosed in 2020 with a rare genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).

NF2 causes tumors to grow on the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are usually non-cancerous, but they can still cause serious health problems because of where they grow.

The tumors Dillon has are called meningiomas, which grow on the lining around the brain or spinal cord. Even though they aren’t cancer, they can press on the brain and nerves and lead to symptoms like headaches, seizures, balance problems, and changes in personality.

Since his diagnosis, Dillon has already experienced two seizures. He also has significant nerve damage affecting the entire right side of his body. This has made everyday things much harder for him, including speaking clearly, eating and drinking, maintaining balance, and dealing with muscle weakness.

Over the past three years, his condition has gotten worse, and because of these health challenges he has had to leave several jobs he once worked.

For the past four years, doctors have been treating Dillon with a chemotherapy drug called Bevacizumab, which helps slow down or stop tumor growth. Unfortunately, like many long-term treatments, the body can eventually become used to the medication, and when that happens it may stop working as effectively.

Dillon is one of the strongest people I know, and he continues to face this disease with courage every single day. Living with NF2 has brought many physical, emotional, and financial challenges for him and our family. We are asking for support to help ease some of the burden of medical costs, travel for treatment, and everyday living expenses while he focuses on his health. Any donation, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing Dillon’s story would also mean the world to us. Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for supporting him in this fight.

Dillon was just notified by his doctors that his tumours are growing and building pressure on his brain stem. Because of this they will need to do surgery to remove part of the tumour or remove it completely.

thank you.