Help Support the Rescos! Nante's Brain Cancer Journey.

To our dear friends and family, to those of you who have already been travelling the journey with us and to those who are just finding out now, we wish to share an update on a diagnosis that my brother-in-law Renante (Nante), my sister Mindy and family have been navigating for over 15 years.

In 2009, our lives took an unexpected turn when Mindy awoke to find Nante having a seizure. As a nurse, she was quick to recognise what was happening and sought medical help, leading to the diagnosis of a brain tumor in his frontal lobe, initially classified as a Grade 2 Astrocytoma – a slow growing tumor. Nante underwent maximum allowable radiation and surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

At that time, Kobe, their eldest, was just three years old and Mindy was pregnant with Nadia. Despite the diagnosis, Nante and Mindy went on to welcome Blake three years later and continued to financially support their immediate and extended family in the Philippines with incredible resilience, managing their very private battle with courage and grace.

In 2019, nearly a decade after the initial diagnosis, the tumor re-appeared as a Grade 3 Astrocytoma. Nante faced chemotherapy and ‘awake’ surgery, which resulted in speech complications. Yet, he continued to work and be present for his family with unwavering determination.

As 2024 arrived, the family had planned a trip to the Philippines, to visit Nante's parents and siblings, in September. However, Nante’s health took a significant turn and symptoms again resurfaced. In April 2024, he required more ‘awake’ surgery and chemotherapy. Though the surgery was initially successful, deterioration in Nante’s speech and a subsequent MRI in August revealed that the tumor had returned aggressively as a Glioblastoma Multiforme—a fast-growing and highly aggressive brain tumor. The doctors, who have been with Nante throughout this long journey, have deemed it no longer operable. He is now undergoing chemotherapy and radiation to slow down the tumor’s progression and to try and provide as much quality of life and time as possible.

This journey has not been for the faint of heart and when I think of strength, faith, resilience and courage, I think of this beautiful family.

As Nante and Mindy are very private people, they have handled this long battle with admirable strength over the last 15 years and when it was suggested that we share their story, there was understandably a reluctance. However, Nante’s main motivation now is to raise awareness about the profound impact brain cancer has on families and loved ones, to add his story to so many who are also facing this insidious disease.

Our hope in sharing this with you, is that you may feel to assist in one of the following ways: (We would so love to show them how valued they are).

1. Prayer: If you pray, please join us in praying for peace and wisdom for Nante and Mindy as they navigate the coming months. Their faith in God is a source of great strength and comfort.

As a family who firmly believe in God, we also believe in the power of prayer.

2. Messages of Support: Reach out with words of encouragement to let them know you are with them in this challenging time.

3. Financial: If you are able, a small financial contribution could greatly help.

For those who have so generously given privately already we are so grateful.

4. Share: Share Nante’s story to help raise awareness about brain cancer and its impact.

5. Charitable Donations: Consider donating to relevant charities that are working towards finding a cure for brain cancer.

As Nante & Mindy approach their 25th wedding anniversary on September 18th, please join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone! They are raising three incredible children: Kobe (18), Nadia (14), and Blake (11) who are a credit to them both.

We also want to acknowledge the role of faith and the hand of God in this journey. We have witnessed many miracles, big and small along the way and continue to believe in the power of divine intervention. Whether the big miracle happens here on earth or in heaven, we honour the One who has so faithfully guided and comforted us through every moment granting an undeniable peace to our family. Psalm 23.

With love,

Sarah

(on behalf of the Rescos, Chilcotts & von Mindens)

A personal note for those who haven't had the pleasure of knowing Nante, the 'smile' says it all! He is one of the kindest, caring, fun humans you will come across. He left his family to pursue the love of his life and what a love story they have created!

We love you Nante! ❤️