Support Vinnie's Battle Against Cancer

My wonderful husband, Vincent Montone, was diagnosed with a primary brain tumor only two short months after we married. It started with a grand mal seizure on July 16th, of which he lost consciousness, and scans showed a large mass in his left frontal lobe. On August 24th he endured a 10 hour long awake craniotomy, in which they were unable to remove it all due to the location, and pathology came back as a Grade II Astrocytoma. His treatments consisted of two months of radiation followed by nine months of chemotherapy. Only two short months after ending chemotherapy, his November scans showed an additional mass and he endured another seizure on December 4th.

On January 12, 2024 he had his second brain surgery. Pathology results identified the growth as a Grade IV Astrocytoma, the most aggressive grade his type of tumor can be. This news was devastating, but he pushed forward and decided on a clinical trial.

One month on the trial and Vinnie started having partial seizures, which caused aura-like episodes consisting of chemical smells and tastes. We increased his seizure medications yet again to try to control these episodes, but went to the ER after an episode was paired with confusion. The scans showed an additional four tumors had grown and there was substantial swelling in the brain. He was placed on steroids to manage the swelling, seizure medications were increased again, and he was taken off the clinical trial. Vinnie is immediately starting aggressive radiation, twice a day, along with chemotherapy.

Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of knowing Vinnie knows just how special he truly is. His friends and family are everything to him, and he will do anything to help a loved one in need. His imagination, creativity and the way he makes everyone belly laugh is truly a blessing in this world. I know Vinnie's infectious laughter, wonderful sense of humor, and ability to fully care for and support his loved ones has touched so many of you. He makes everyone feel so special and loved with his extreme affection he offers so freely.

His life now consists of constantly juggling doctor appointments, treatments, testing and medications. Recent mental and physical changes have occurred including delayed memory recall and impaired concentration, as well as vision and balance issues.

Medical expenses are increasing and will continue as he needs more assistance for his care. He is currently unable to work, and we've both had to take leave without pay for recoveries and treatments during the past two years. Any donations will go to cover his medical expenses, homecare, equipment and anything Vinnie may need moving forward.

We are extremely grateful for any donation you may be able to provide. It will greatly help alleviate some of the financial burden so the focus can be on Vinnie’s healthcare. We appreciate all of your love and support, and we look forward to making more memories with all of you.

Love and health,

Vinnie & Chelsea Montone