Help Support Javier’s Brain Cancer Journey

Hello, My name is Javier Duran, and I’m a 29-year-old Brain Cancer Survivor from Rogers, Arkansas. On April 20, 2022, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with high-grade medulloblastoma, a Grade 4 brain cancer. One moment, I was living my life to the fullest, and the next, I was confronted with a reality that felt surreal and daunting. When the ER doctor told me I had a brain tumor I broke down because I didn’t know what to expect or if I was going to live.

The days that followed were overwhelming. I was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, where a team of doctors prepared me for surgery. On April 23, I underwent a grueling 7-hour operation. As I lay on the operating table, I felt a mix of fear and determination. I knew that this surgery was my chance to fight back. The hospital became my home and my partners for the next month. I faced numerous challenges, including a severe blood infection that nearly took my life. Yet, each day, I chose to focus on the small victories—like the first time I sat up in bed or took a few steps down the hall.

Once I was finally released from the hospital, I was filled with a sense of hope but also with the weight of what lay ahead. The road to recovery was long and fraught with uncertainty. I had a new routine filled with doctor visits and MRI scans every six months—a reminder of the battle I was fighting. The financial burden quickly became overwhelming. My hospital bills surpassed $700,000, and I faced the daunting reality of copays and specialty doctor visits. It felt like an endless bill, but I refused to let it break my spirit.

My oncologist recommended the University of Kansas Cancer Center for my proton radiation treatments, emphasizing that traditional radiation wouldn’t be effective against my high-grade cancer. I accepted this new challenge, knowing that it was a crucial step in my fight for survival. From Monday to Friday, for a whole month, I attended treatment sessions. Each day was a mix of fear and determination, but with each session, I felt a little stronger, a little more resilient. I complete proton therapy on July 5, 2022.

After completing my radiation, I transitioned to chemotherapy at Highlands Oncology in Rogers, AR. This phase lasted over a year and was filled with its own set of challenges—fatigue, nausea, and the emotional toll of the unknown. Yet, throughout this journey, I found strength in the support I received. My partner, Friends and family rallied around me, reminding me that I was not alone in this fight. With all the love and support I rang the bell to signal I BEAT BRAIN CANCER! That was on March 2023.

As I reflect on my experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the moments of kindness I received along the way—a warm meal from strangers, a message of encouragement from a friends, or simply a phone call to check in on me. These gestures became beacons of hope during some of my darkest days.

Now, as I enter the middle of 2025, the financial burden weighs heavily on me. I find myself seeking help, reaching out to my community, and sharing my story in the hopes of finding understanding and support. I remind myself that resilience is not just about enduring the fight but also about embracing the love and support that surrounds me.

Though my battle is far from over, I refuse to be defined by my diagnosis. I am a warrior, driven by hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of those I hold dear. Together, we can face the challenges that lie ahead, one day at a time. Through sharing my story, I aspire to inspire others who are navigating their own battles, reminding them that they are not alone and that every step forward is indeed a victory worth celebrating.

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