Mark Downey, a 44-year-old man from Bolton, first noticed a headache last September that made him feel like something was not right. After visiting the hospital, scans revealed that he had a grade four glioblastoma, a fast-growing cancerous brain tumor. His family describes the experience as happening very quickly and turning their lives upside down. Mark, a father of three, underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, but tests showed that the tumor might not respond well to treatment. Now, seven months later, doctors have given him a prognosis of only 12 to 14 months to live. His family is hoping to raise money for him to receive specialized treatment abroad that could potentially save his life.
Despite the challenges he faces, Mark has shown immense bravery throughout his treatment. His family describes him as strong and resilient, despite not knowing what the future holds. Mark had a severe headache that felt different from the usual, prompting him to seek medical attention. His diagnosis came as a shock, as he was otherwise fit and healthy. Following surgery to remove the tumor and rigorous chemo and radiotherapy treatments, it was discovered that the genetic makeup of his tumor made it resistant to standard treatments. This news has prompted his family to look for alternative therapies from other countries, like Car T-Cell therapy, to give Mark the best chance at surviving the disease.
Mark’s recent MRI scan showed that the tumor had not responded well to the radiotherapy and chemotherapy, indicating a lack of improvement in his condition. The family is concerned about the limited time they have left and is keen to raise awareness and funds for glioblastoma research and clinical trials. Mark has undergone 35 sessions of radiotherapy and is currently on his third cycle of chemotherapy, but the treatments have not been successful. His hair loss and extreme fatigue are physical manifestations of the toll his treatment has taken on him, but his inner strength continues to shine through. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to support his journey and hopes to share his story to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The uncertainty surrounding Mark’s future and the lack of effective treatments in the UK have motivated his family to seek help from the international medical community. With time running out, they aim to raise funds for innovative treatments abroad, such as Car T-Cell therapy, which have shown promise in treating aggressive brain tumors. Mark’s dream of watching his son graduate high school and share special milestones with his family drives his resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the grim prognosis he has been given, Mark remains determined to fight for more time with his loved ones, showcasing a spirit that refuses to be broken by his illness.
As Mark’s family navigates the challenges of his diagnosis, they are met with setbacks and uncertainties at every turn. The limited options for effective treatments have forced them to turn to crowdfunding as a means of accessing potentially life-saving therapies. The emotional toll of witnessing a loved one battle a devastating illness is heartbreaking for his family, who are urging the community to support their cause. The fundraising efforts and public awareness campaigns aim to shed light on the urgent need for better treatment options and increased research funding for glioblastoma patients. Despite the obstacles they face, Mark’s family remains hopeful and determined to explore every possible avenue to give him a fighting chance against his aggressive brain tumor.
