Hello, my name is Hayley. I am writing this regarding our dad, Dan. When I look back over the years I cannot picture a better role model than our Dad (aside from our Mom who is probably reading this…hi Mom :)). He is and has always been all in for his family- present, selfless with his time, compassionate to our needs, hard worker, calm and centred, personable, patient, and does not take things too seriously…..everything you’d want to draw attributes from as a young person watching and learning how to succeed in this world. He LOVES to golf, travel/explore, watch his grandchildren grow and blossom, immerse himself in sports, and really soak in his time with all his loved ones. This is a snapshot but does not give the depth needed to describe this wonderful human that we would need a novel to describe in our eyes. 2024 has been difficult for my family and I because our Dad has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called "Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)”. Anyone familiar with this type of cancer knows that the typical prognosis is quite bleak. I have to say, the reality and unknown of this diagnosis has been extremely difficult and disheartening as there are little to no effective treatment options available, and the standard ones only hope to prolong life; unfortunately at the cost of comfort and quality of life. When he was diagnosed with GBM he was cautiously optimistic about how his body could handle the effects of the impending treatments, and has remained focussed on what his body CAN do as oppose to cannot. He motivated us to shift our concern and energy onto positive outcomes. Dad started strong, but the radiation and chemotherapy treatments have taken a heavy toll on his body, making it much more difficult (at times impossible) for him to deservingly take advantage of semi-retirement. The energy and physical nature of the activities he enjoys have become too taxing in the weakened state, not allowing him to partake in the way we have known all our lives. My family and I are very determined to not only preserve our Dads quality of life, but to save him. It has become clear, the best way to hopefully accomplish this is to seek alternative treatments and attack this thing from every possible angle. With that in mind, we have been introduced to a treatment called “Hyperthermia”. This is a non-invasive treatment that has proven to significantly prolong survival in this population among other crucial benefits. We have hope that this will be a positive step in our Dads story and provide him many more years to enjoy this beautiful life. The very unfortunate part is we will have to receive this treatment privately, which of course comes at a significant cost. On top of all of the concurrent supplements, medication, and time off work; this treatment alone will cost around $12,000. Any funds received would dramatically help relieve the financial and emotional toll, particularly on our Mom and Dad, supporting their ability to focus on the ultimate goal… our Dads health and survival. One thing that has been so evident is that our Dad is so much stronger when his people are strong too. We will continue to be relentless in our approach to beating this thing. In my dads words, “the tumor is aggressive but we are being aggressive along with it”. Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We are so grateful for all your support in any form. Also, please don't hesitate to share any relevant personal stories that may help, new information on treatments, or clinical trials for this cancer :) Sincerely, Hayley
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