The Finch in Martino's Brain

Martino has the most aggressive brain tumour there is, Glioblastoma grade IV.
People rarely survive it, but by putting himself up for a guinea pig, not only has he remained alive and vital for 8 years beyond expectation, he has proved the benefit of clinical trials, and we have all stepped further along the path to finding a cure.

On learning that the surgery had removed the part of the brain that enabled him to read, Martino set about writing a book, a very good book, warmly philosophical, funny and wonderful, The Finch in my Brain.


And most importantly Miro his son, has kept his father.

We have been extraordinarily lucky that Martino's remarkable brain has in many ways re-jigged itself to enable him to function in ways we have yet to understand. His resilience, his will and his general ridiculousness has all been brilliant for fighting disease, for giving doctors an opportunity to try and for keeping everyone feeling this is just an adventure. He is very much loved.


The cancer has now returned and is angry! 
And so Martino has again put himself forward as guinea pig. Some of the new treatments have been granted compassionately. Relative to what has been already granted we need very little, but still to keep the program of medicines running effectively we need to cover the remaining treatments, a quagmire of logistics and some extremely galling administrative restrictions. We refuse to let Martino die due to admin!

With this new trial we can further the understanding on how to cure this horrible disease that takes people of all ages, so brutally.

And, with this new trial we have a very real chance of keeping this wonderful man, his ability to make us all smile, and all his beautiful ridiculousness.


With enormous gratitude for anything you are able to give we thank you, with love from all of us. x

...a young Martino and his mother, Marianella. x