Michaels Bucket list fundraiser

Hi my name is Michael and I'm 27 I’m an identical twin living with terminal brain cancer. I’m one of five kids in a big Greek family my parents are amazing.

I was diagnosed with brain cancer just before I turned five. I underwent chemotherapy radiation and the placement of a device called a shunt to regulate pressure in my brain, because the tumour was too big and fluid couldn’t travel down my spine.

In 2015, I underwent a surgery to attempt to remove my cancer which was unsuccessful. This was a very invasive and hard surgery which took me a long time to recover from. I then underwent chemo but after a few rounds, my body rejected it and I couldn't have the treatment anymore. The treatment I did have stabilized my symptoms for a while.

In October 2020, they tried the surgery again. This time it was more dangerous, my tumour was much bigger and they were trying a different method. It was partially successful. They got out 50% of my tumour, but this was a very hard surgery to recover from. I was in hospital for two months and it took me three months to learn how to walk again.

Unfortunately, the surgery did not help long-term because my tumour started growing again. I entered long-term palliative care in 2022 as there isn't much options left beyond managing my illness.

In July 2023, we tried radiation therapy. This is the second time in my life I've had a course of radiation and after 30 rounds this time, I'd racked up 63 doses of radiation over my life.

This has had a significant impact on me. On one hand, it's helped prolong and save my life and on the other, it's added to my troubles. In July and December 2024, I suffered two strokes on my brain stem which has left me in a wheelchair. Unable to walk with speech difficulties and visual impairment.

I don’t know how long I have left. In July 2024, I was given 3 years. I am hoping to raise enough funds to fulfill my dream of going on a holiday and a Disney cruise with my family.

I’m living every day as it comes.

I have had a recent MRI in the last couple of days that unfortunately shows that my brain tumour has grown, and they have found another benign tumour on the brain.

I have dedicated my life to helping others. I have been a volunteer with St John's ambulance, the Victorian State Emergency Service and also am an enrolled nurse. Despite my challenges, I graduated and started working as a nurse in 2023 just before my tumour and symptoms worsened.

Unfortunately I'm unable to work given my current health conditions. I have previously done a fundraiser for brain cancer research so that others in future hopefully do not have to suffer as I have. I dedicate my life to raising funds for this purpose. On this occasion, I would love to raise money for my bucket list.

I appreciate your time reading my story and any help will be truly appreciated from the bottom of my heart for the rest of my life. I hope to go on a Disney Cruise with my big Greek family.

Love you all.

Michael