Heather Tilton

My darling daughter Heather was diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma  brain cancer 2 years ago when she was 39 yrs old.  She is married with 3 young children ages 12, 10 and 7.  This cancer is known to be very difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis.   She underwent brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy,  finally completing treatment in December 2016.    Heather was monitored with brain MRI's every 3 months.  She was almost back to her old self after about a year off treatment.   In June 2018 we were devastated  to find out that the cancer was back.  Heather had another brain resection, and she is doing okay, very functional, but tires easily.  When she met  the neurosurgeon and neuro-oncologist they mentioned that there are clinical trials looking at a very promising treatment called Opdivo a Check Point inhibitor.  Currently the drug is in early testing in brain cancer.  Unfortunately at this time there are no clinical trials for recurrent brain cancers like Heather's.  The Opdivo is not yet approved for brain cancer so unfortunately the insurance will not cover the cost of the medication, which is about $150,000.00 for a year of infusions.  

There have been so many of you that have asked how they might be able to help us.  Assistance with the cost of this medication would be most helpful.  Heather will be getting her 1st infusion on Thursday and will continue to receive the medication every 2 weeks.  Unfortunately,  the cancer is very likely to return but we are praying for  the longest remission possible.  Extending her life will be priceless.   Thank you for any assistance you can provide!