The Last Supper? A plea for My Brother's Survival

“Valerie, I’m going to beat this in one shot.” Optimism and faith filled his spirit as panic and statistics overwhelmed mine. With the utmost confidence he assured me, “I’m telling you, in one shot.” How could someone have such hope under such hopeless circumstances? And then the realization dawned on me. This was my brother speaking. The kind, focused soul who is always expressing an upbeat attitude and faith in the future.

My older brother Anthony was rushed to the emergency room Saturday night after a throbbing headache would not let up. His headache revealed itself to be a stage 4 Glioblastoma. In other words, an egg-size fatal brain tumor called Goliath, who spouts a 5% survival rate. “In one shot, Val.”

Anthony lives out of state and is now out of work as he recovers from his brain surgery. His wife Gizelle has to choose between getting him to his radiation and chemotherapy or going to work to pay the bills. They are alone, and far from family, but not forgotten.

My brother Anthony has always been there for others. But now, he is the one in need. He’s too proud to ask for help himself, so I’m asking for him. I’m asking for you to consider blessing him and his wife Gizelle with whatever you can spare-$5, $10, $50 -it could mean a meal that keeps his strength up, a roof over his head for another week, or the ability to reach the treatment that could save his life. Every single dollar is hope.

And if you are unable to give, please share this page. Send it to friends, colleagues, anyone who might hear this story and feel moved to help. Let’s give him a shot in his battle against Brain Cancer.

On behalf of my entire family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading this and for being the kind of person who cares enough to act. Let’s not let this be his last supper. Let’s give him a fighting chance to make it through; because he has hope we should too.

With love and gratitude,

Valerie