Support Chad Roessler's Battle with Glioblastoma

This Go Fund Me is set up for Chad Roessler and his family.

A family that's been hit hard.

A family that fights battles head-on.

A family that could use our support during these trying times.

These are just a few ways to describe our extended family. They've faced nothing but heartbreak in recent months, so myself and others have come together to start a fundraiser to help them during this time.

We are rallying support for incredible individuals. These wonderful people have touched the lives of many, and now it’s our turn to give back to them in their time of need. Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant difference. Let’s show them the strength of their community and remind them that they are not alone in this.

Here is Chad's story below. We will do our best to update it.

Long story “short”...

Chad woke up with a severe headache that escalated into a "migraine" on March 9. As the pain persisted and worsened, it was clear he needed medical attention. After a visit to the ER and subsequent tests, it was discovered that Chad had a brain tumor. On March 13, doctors performed a successful biopsy. The following day, March 14, the initial pathology report revealed that the tumor was a grade 4 glioblastoma and its location made it inoperable. The medical team devised a comprehensive treatment plan that included radiation, chemotherapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

It was decided to do these therapies inpatient at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation due to the aphasia on the right side of his body. They stayed in the hospital until March 23rd for pain management and to participate in these therapies to insure Chad could begin treatments as strong as he physically could.

On March 25, Chad began the first of thirty radiation treatments, scheduled Monday through Friday for six weeks. He also started chemotherapy on the same day, administered at home in pill form for a total of 42 days. Fortunately, Chad experienced minimal side effects from both treatments, with only mild fatigue and no nausea. He was also on a strong steroid regimen that increased his appetite significantly and helped manage the inflammation and swelling caused by the tumor and radiation.

Throughout these six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, Chad worked with occupational, physical, and speech therapists at outpatient Courage Kenny, which greatly improved his motor skills. Initially, the “migraine” had caused aphasia, affecting his right-side function, so the progress he made with therapy was remarkable.

May 3rd was the last day of radiation and chemo pills for round one.

A scheduled break before round two of chemo pills.

On May 6th, Chad took a fall outside his front doorstep, resulting in a compression fracture to his L3 and L4 vertebrae. He was fitted for a back brace and returned to using his walker instead of a cane. Therapies transitioned to in-home. Even with this setback, he powered through and was able to enjoy his break from treatment.

June 3rd - June 7th: Second round of chemo pills, double the dose.

After the second round of more intensive chemotherapy, Chad felt more fatigued, and his headaches were not as easily managed with just extra strength Tylenol every six hours. Due to the increased headaches, it became more difficult for him to get a full night's sleep.

Taylor grew more concerned and called to check in with his team of doctors every other day. Chad's scheduled follow-up scan was moved up a week to get a better idea of what was going on. This scan showed that the tumor had acute shrinkage and the swelling was improving. All great news, but it didn’t explain why his headaches were increasing.

They agreed to push back chemo round 3 until Chad's pain and sleep improved. Even after increasing his steroid dose and adding sleep and stronger pain medication to his regimen, his discomfort was not improving.

On June 28th, Taylor brought Chad into the ER due to vomiting, and he was admitted for 5 days. MRI and CT imaging were done, but no explanation was found. The only issues detected were low sodium and increased blood pressure. Palliative care was introduced, and they revised his medication regimen, coming up with a new combination that greatly improved his overall comfort.

They were able to return home on the evening of Tuesday, July 2nd.

Chad enjoyed two full days at home, pain-free and getting some much-needed rest.

On the evening of July 5, Chad got up to enjoy dinner on the deck. He mentioned he didn't feel like himself and didn't have much of an appetite. Taylor brought him inside to rest. Shortly after, Chad woke up and was unable to communicate. 911 was called, and Chad was taken to the hospital via ambulance. Another CT and MRI were done, but again, no explanation was found. He was admitted and hooked up to an EEG machine for 24 hours to monitor for seizures. A lot happened during this 5-day hospital stay, too much to write out. But on the night of July 9, Taylor couldn't sleep and decided to review Chad's imaging and notes taken on the morning of July 6. There, she found an updated review that had never been communicated to them. On the morning of July 6, Taylor immediately brought this to his team's attention. The review indicated enhancements of multiple cranial nerves, suggesting the likelihood of the cancer also being in the spine. At this point, there are currently no other treatment options that Chad is suitable for, according to the team at Abbott Northwestern.

We have sent his medical history and test results to Mayo for a second opinion, but for now, Chad is spending his time at home, cherishing the moments he has left with his closest loved ones. Time is not in our favor, and this is an incredibly difficult reality to face.

The story details provided here are a shortened version of the day-to-day reality we have and are currently facing. Further details that we have shared with loved ones outside of what is provided here have been very selective. We appreciate the courtesy of protecting the information we have otherwise shared.

This Go Fund Me is not his wish. He never wanted it to come to this, but we know people want a way to help Chad’s situation. If this is an option for you to help and you see fit, here is your way to do so. Even though a Go Fund Me was not his wish, no one could have anticipated the current situation we are in and what we need help with. Donations will be used for day-to-day items needed to care for Chad, help our caregivers, medical bills, and any other unexpected necessary items needed to give Chad the absolute BEST possible care with the time that he has.

We are currently not accepting visitors at this time. This is a wish of Chad’s, as he does not want to be “viewed” during his time of rest/comfort care. If you have not spoken with Mike, Beth, Dustin, Taylor, or Brittney regarding a visit or drop-off, we kindly ask you to respect our privacy so we can give Chad our full attention and best care possible

We will certainly do our best to continue updating Chad’s condition here. In the meantime, we welcome all the love, good vibes, text messages, cards, food, errands, and all continued support. Even if the messages are not responded to, they are read and appreciated. We are forever grateful for the village of people who have already reached out with their love and support.