Dear CrowdMaan Community,
I’m reaching out to ask for your help in a very important cause. My 8-year-old son, Philo, has been diagnosed with a Pediatric High-Grade Glioma – Grade 4 brain tumor. It’s a very aggressive form of cancer and unfortunately, the standard treatment of radiation and chemotherapy can only prolong his life by a few months. We need to explore other options and that’s where your donations come in.
Philo is a bright, caring and happy boy who loves going to school, laughing with his friends, playing the piano and cuddling with his cat Nacho. Up until now, he’s been a perfectly healthy boy. But in September 2022, our world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with this brain tumor. He was immediately taken for emergency surgery, followed by two additional surgeries, spending over 35+ hours on the operating table. Since then, we’ve spent over 45 days in the hospital. Despite the difficult circumstances, Philo has shown nothing but positivity, bravery and courage and gives us the strength to get through each day.
We have been in touch with doctors from around the world who are working to further the opportunities for treatment in this field, and they agree that Philo’s best chance of survival would be to access novel therapeutic treatments. These treatments are currently only available in Germany and the U.S. and are extremely expensive. That’s where we need your help.
We’ve commissioned special molecular/genetic tests to be done on his tumor which should be completed by Christmas. These tests alone cost over £10,000 and will provide a roadmap of what the best next options are. The results of these tests will help doctors in Germany develop a vaccine customized to Philo’s tumor, which will train his immune system to fight against the tumor. The costs for this can be over £150K.
Additionally, there are promising potential pathways that can be addressed with Clinical Trials currently underway in the U.S. The results of our tests can confirm his eligibility for these trials. Another surgery to remove the remainder of the tumor will also likely need to be done. Lastly, as the tumour has impacted his vision, he will need vision therapy. Initial guidance estimates the cost of all this is over £350K.
Any additional funds collected will be donated to brain tumor research, as they desperately need more support. Brain tumors are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, but unfortunately, less than 1% of the research money spent on cancer goes to brain tumors. And because childhood brain tumors are so rare (25% of childhood cancers), they are at the bottom of the list for funding. In the past 30 years, there has been little progress in this field other than the standard of care (SOC).
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has offered support and to the dedicated and caring doctors, nurses and staff who have helped Philo. Together, we can get him better and provide hope for other children who face this terrible disease.
Thank you for considering a donation to help save Philo’s life. Every little bit helps and we appreciate your support.
