Support Brian Lessard's Fight Against Cancer

Brian Lessard’s Journey: A Brief Summary

In April 2024, our dear friend Brian Lessard began experiencing unexplained muscle pain and weakness. What started as a discomfort soon turned into a frustrating and exhausting battle for answers. Many of you have followed his journey through his social media updates, witnessing the highs and lows of his fight.

For those who haven’t, here’s a brief summary: Over the past months, Brian has faced numerous medical tests, consultations, and uncertainties, all while dealing with the daily challenges of his condition. Despite setbacks, his resilience and determination have never wavered.

As his friends and supporters, we continue to stand by him, offering our encouragement and strength. His fight is far from over, but neither is our unwavering support.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep lifting Brian up with our thoughts, prayers, and messages of support.

Almost four months into Brians journey in July his dermatologist feels he has Dermatomyositis.

“Basically, my immune system is attacking my own skin and muscles...

Did a 4cm punch biopsy and bumped me back up on the steroids till the biopsy results come back...

If it's a positive result, he'll change up the steroids and put me on an immune suppressing prescription to stop my immune system from attacking my own body.”

Mid-September, finally some a form of treatment has started

“At least I've got a treatment started finally...

Keeping me on prednisone for now and putting me on methotrexate (chemotherapy drug) and folic acid, and see how my body responds...

Do more blood work in 2 weeks...”

October, finally a Rheumatologist decides to look for an underling condition. October 29th Brian gets his results.

“Went to the rheumatologist this morning, and she went over my scan report...There's a 2.5cm spot on my left lung they need to check out...That could be what's causing my immune system to go haywire... Now time to start dealing with an oncologist etc... She also added more medications to deal with my pain and weakness, plus she wants to get me started on IV Infusion treatments to help strengthen my muscles again. Depending on if my insurance goes for it, cause it's very expensive...”

November

“Just heard back from the Dr...

It's non-small cell cancer...

Dr put in for PET scans and and MRI of my brain to see if it's gone anywhere else...

Of course it's the hardest type to treat...

Dr also sent out a referral to Dana Farber.”

February

“Just heard from my oncologist. He had the meeting with the tumor board at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon today. They've determined that the first biopsy was incorrect, and I have Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer. Surgery and radiation treatment are not options. He wants to get me started on chemotherapy and immunotherapy next week.”

Present Day: Standing with Brian

Now, as Brian fights on into March, his treatment is fully underway. With this fight comes not only a physical battle but also a significant financial and mental burden.

This is where we come in. Any support—big or small—makes a difference. Whether it’s a donation, a kind message, or simply checking in to say hello, every gesture means the world to Brian and his family.

Let’s continue to rally around him, reminding him that he is never alone in this fight.