Michael "The GBM Gladiator" Diez

For those of you who do not already know, our beloved Michael Carl Diez (my father) was recently diagnosed with grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (the most aggressive type of brain cancer).  Surgery was originally considered a high risk operation due to the location and characteristics of the tumor, but with help from family and friends we were able to find an amazing nuerosurgeon at City of Hope in Pasadena, California. Mike is a heroic man who gathered all of his strength and courage to go through with the surgery.   On February 16th,  Dr. Badie successfully performed a left occipital craniotomy and resected about 85% of the tumor.  With blood clots forming in both his legs and lungs after the surgery, Mike is still fighting and praying for a full recovery.   Heparin is being administered to help thin the blood and dissipate the clots.   Since bills are piling up quickly, my family and I are trying to raise money to continue the best treatment available.  Chemotherapy and radiation will begin next week to destroy the remaining 15-20% of the tumor. After 6 weeks of chemo and radiation, the search for clinical trials will begin.  We will also be purchasing Optune, a $6,000 medical device connecting to the scalp that creates an electrical field around the tumor to disrupt the growth and reproduction of the cancer cells in the brain.  Considering the fact that GBM tumors have a high probability of reoccurrence, Optune is a must to prevent a reoccurrence.    Mike is an amazing father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend who deserves the best treatment available to win his war with cancer.  His resilience is truly amazing and inspirational; I could not have asked for a better father.  Any donation will help, is greatly appreciated and will directly go towards his treatment plans.  He has an extensive road ahead of him to completely kick cancer's ass, so please continue to keep Mike in your prayers.   I cannot thank everyone enough for all the love and support.  It means the world to my family and I to be so blessed with such great family and friends.  THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE AND TOGETHER WE WILL FIND A CURE!!