Pilocytic Astrocytoma Recurrence

As many of you may or may not know, Chris Cucci was diagnosed with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma when he was 17 years old. This is a rare type of brain tumor that occurs predominantly in children and young adults. He under went surgery in 2000 to remove the tumor. The surgeon was unable to completely remove the tumor, but assured Chris and his family that it would not matter and that there was only a 1% chance that it would return later in life. Ever since the first surgery, Chris has been on numerous medications due to the fact that he frequently experiences seizures related to the brain tumor. Most recently, he experienced a seizure that lasted over 8 minutes and had to be taken to the hospital. Within the last few months, Chris became increasingly symptomatic, prompting him and his wife Jillian to contact the neurologist and have a repeat MRI scan. It was in this scan that they discovered that the tumor has in fact returned. Chris and Jillian have had to make the trip up to Gainesville, FL Multiple times a week to be evaluated by numerous doctors at Shand's  hospital. They have determined that a second brain surgery is necessary to remove the tumor. Unlike his first surgery, this time he is a husband, father and sole financial provider for his family. This surgery will required weeks, if not months, out of work. The total cost of living adds up quickly, not to mention over $1,000 for each MRI, hundreds of dollars to and from Gainesville, hundreds of dollars spent on medications and simply raising 3 kids on top of it. Any amount of money would be greatly appreciated to help this amazing family and to reduce the astronomical medical debt that will accrue over the next few months.