Jason Wieber Fights Brain Cancer

My brother, Jason Wieber, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November, 2011.  At the time the tumor was on the brain stem and the doctors said the only treatment was to undergo radiation.  Jason underwent six weeks of radiation which stopped the tumor from growing.  He had scans every few months to make sure that the tumor didn't change.  Jason was able to go back to work as a Mecosta county sheriff's deputy and get on with his life.  He married his beautiful wife Bethany in 2014 and in 2015 they welcomed their son Charlie to the world.  

In January of this year Jason started having some dizziness and vision problems and knew something must have changed.  He met with doctors on February 1st and on Feb. 3rd underwent brain surgery.  There was a new tumor in the cerebellum growing very rapidly.  It was a very scary and emotional time.  The doctors felt positive about how much of the tumor they were able to remove.  Jason spent almost two weeks in ICU to reduce the swelling and fluid build up around the brain.  He was diagnosed with High Grade Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).  This is a very aggresive, fast spreading type of brain cancer.  

At the end of February, Jason, Bethany, Charlie, my parents, and cousin Shelly traveled to Texas to see specialist at MD Anderson Cancer Center.  MD Anderson is said to be the best in the country and is making breakthroughs in cancer everyday.  We all had high hopes that Jason would be able to participate in a clinical trial, but since his tumor is in such a rare location, most GBM tumors are in the cerebrum, he is excluded from most studies.  The doctors recommended that he start radiation as soon as possible.  Jason had hoped to come back to Michigan for radiation so that he could be surrounded by family and friends, but returning would mean having to wait several week to start treatment, whereas he could start treatment almost imediately at MD Anderson.  So Jason, Bethany, and Charlie are staying in Houston for the next month for the daily radiation treatments.  There is still one possible clinical trial that he may be eligible for.  There is a trial that is targeting a specific genetic mutation in the cancer cells.  They are currently looking to see if Jason's cancer has that mutation.  We should know by the time he finishes radiation.  If he doesn't qualify he will return home after radiation for chemotherapy.  

We are asking for donations to help cover medical and travel expenses.  Jason's friends are also hosting two benefits if you would prefer to attend one of those.  

Spaghetti Dinner Benefit @ The Phenix Bar
Sunday, April 3rd 4:00 pm

Euchre Tournament  @ Clear Lake Golf Course Clubhouse
Saturday, April 16th 6:00 pm

Please keep Jason and the whole Wieber family in your thoughts and prayer!

Thank you!
Kim Wieber