Help Support Steven's Surgery and Treatment
Donation protected
The Mulvey Family could use your support. Steven requires additional medical treatment associated with his spinal cord tumor.
In Robin's words:
Steven was diagnosed with a diffuse astrocytoma in his cervical spinal cord in September 2017. He underwent a biopsy surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, which successfully reduced the size of the tumor. Unfortunately, following initial treatment, several cysts (fluid-fill sacs) developed in the same location as the tumor. The cysts continued to grow throughout the year and began to seriously impact Steven’s function in July. Since that time, his health, mobility, and quality of life have declined rapidly. We had hoped that the cysts would resolve without intervention, but it is now clear that it is time to act. The only treatment option is an invasive surgery to drain the cysts, and the recovery period will be long. Some medical teams have suggested that the surgery is too risky. We have found a neurosurgeon with Johns Hopkins based in Tampa, Florida who has the most experience with this specific spinal cord cyst-tumor condition. We are trusting his opinion that surgery is necessary and the best way forward, and that he has the skill and expertise to help us.
Additionally, a recent MRI scan suggests that the tumor may be growing (no longer stable). The tumor will be re-biopsied during surgery, and if it is confirmed to be growing, we will need additional treatment after surgery. This will likely involve a more aggressive chemotherapy regime, but we are also looking into gene therapy. There is at least one phase II trial underway addressing the specific known mutation in Steven’s tumor cells.
We will be traveling to Tampa, Florida with surgery scheduled at Tampa General Hospital on March 4. This Go Fund Me will help to alleviate the financial burden of flights, lodging, rental cars, and copays on treatment. Please only give if you can do so comfortably; there are plenty of other ways to support us, as so many of you have done already, including simply sending positive thoughts and love our way. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing support system spread all over the world. We are a team. We are a family. And we will beat this together.
In Robin's words:
Steven was diagnosed with a diffuse astrocytoma in his cervical spinal cord in September 2017. He underwent a biopsy surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, which successfully reduced the size of the tumor. Unfortunately, following initial treatment, several cysts (fluid-fill sacs) developed in the same location as the tumor. The cysts continued to grow throughout the year and began to seriously impact Steven’s function in July. Since that time, his health, mobility, and quality of life have declined rapidly. We had hoped that the cysts would resolve without intervention, but it is now clear that it is time to act. The only treatment option is an invasive surgery to drain the cysts, and the recovery period will be long. Some medical teams have suggested that the surgery is too risky. We have found a neurosurgeon with Johns Hopkins based in Tampa, Florida who has the most experience with this specific spinal cord cyst-tumor condition. We are trusting his opinion that surgery is necessary and the best way forward, and that he has the skill and expertise to help us.
Additionally, a recent MRI scan suggests that the tumor may be growing (no longer stable). The tumor will be re-biopsied during surgery, and if it is confirmed to be growing, we will need additional treatment after surgery. This will likely involve a more aggressive chemotherapy regime, but we are also looking into gene therapy. There is at least one phase II trial underway addressing the specific known mutation in Steven’s tumor cells.
We will be traveling to Tampa, Florida with surgery scheduled at Tampa General Hospital on March 4. This Go Fund Me will help to alleviate the financial burden of flights, lodging, rental cars, and copays on treatment. Please only give if you can do so comfortably; there are plenty of other ways to support us, as so many of you have done already, including simply sending positive thoughts and love our way. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing support system spread all over the world. We are a team. We are a family. And we will beat this together.
Organizer and beneficiary
Christy Cleaver
Organizer
Kellogg, ID
Robin Mulvey
Beneficiary