Help Nelson Fight Stage 4 Cancer

Nelson Rufatt is organizing this fundraiser.

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Join us in supporting Nelson, a 29 year old husband and father with Stage 4 Cancer, as he fights for more time with his wife and 5 month old baby.

The only lifeline left is through treatments which are not covered by Medicare - the costs are daunting.

Your contributions will cover the huge medical expenses required to give Nelson a chance to continue living and see his son grow up.

Every donation brings them one step closer to a future filled with love and precious moments.

About Nelson's family -

Nelson leads a full and vibrant life. He is a pianist, a composer, a writer, and a broadcaster. He is devoted to classical and jazz music, to poetry, friendship and good conversation… not to mention food and drink.

He’s a regular presenter on the Melbourne radio station 3MBS FM. He also hosts a podcast; interviewing musicians, writers, philosophers and others, about humanism and the arts.

He and his wife, Emma-Mae, are active members of their community, and are passionate choral scholars in their church choir at St Peter’s, Eastern Hill.

You'll often find the Rufatt family making music together in the evenings and enjoying their baby's laughter.

Nelson’s determination to grow old with his family and overcome this disease is unwavering, as is their love for each other and their 5 month old son.

The Current situation -

Nelson was first diagnosed with a cancer called Retinoblastoma when he was only a baby.

He was treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and finally the removal of his eyes, making him totally blind from the age of 2.

In spite of tricky beginnings he had a wonderful childhood and adolescence and was an active contributor to his community; as a traveller, band member and published poet.

Unfortunately, as a result of the childhood radiation he is now facing a formidable battle with a rare form of soft tissue cancer called Leiomyosarcoma .

In 2018 the cancer was discovered in his left eye socket. Despite surgical removal of the tumour, subsequent scans revealed metastases (spreading of cancer) in his lungs, liver and bones.

After 2 years of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and clinical trials, the Rufatt’s are left with one remaining chemotherapy option, which may not be effective.

For this reason, the family have had to seek other treatments to use in conjunction with the chemotherapy.

This includes a strict Ketogenic diet and number of infusions, supplements and repurposed medications.

These treatments are available in Germany and the U.S but are not covered by Medicare in Australia.

The Search For Hope -

In our pursuit of integrative treatments, we discovered the groundbreaking work of Professor Thomas N Seyfried.

His research reveals that cancer is a metabolic condition that thrives on glucose (sugar) and glutamine.

A strict ketogenic diet, combined with therapies and supplemental drugs, has shown promise in blocking glutamine, starving the cancer cells and potentially leading to the shrinkage or death of tumours.

The Plan -

We have identified therapists in Australia who are willing to supervise this specialised treatment.

However, the associated costs are substantial including regular consultations, a vast quantity of supplements, Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and overseas blood tests to detect primary cancer cells. On top of everything there are the usual costs of raising a recently born baby.

The Call to Action -

We are reaching out to you, our friends and community, to help raise funds for the cost of Nelson’s treatment.

Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to giving Nelson the chance he deserves.

How you can help -

• Make a donation to support Nelson’s treatment

• Share this campaign to amplify our reach

• Keep Nelson and his family in your thoughts and prayers

Thank you -

Nelson’s strength and resilience inspire us every day. Your support will not only provide financial relief but also contribute to his fight against cancer. Let’s come together and make a difference in Nelson’s life.

Thank you for being a source of hope and strength during this time of hardship.

We will continue to update you on Nelson's progress.

See links for research relevant to Nelson's treatments:

Cancer Stem Cell Research

How to Starve Cancer - Jane Mc Lelland (Grad. Dip. Phys)

https://www.howtostarvecancer.com

Intravenous High-dose Vitamin C in Cancer Therapy

Compiled by Professor Thomas N. Seyfried:

Miriam Kalamian, EdM, MS, CNS

“Keto for Cancer”

Beth Zupec-Kania

Director of the Charlie Foundation