Gary's Story
Gary and Andrea began their Oligo journey in September 2022 when at age 33, Gary suffered a grand mal seizure. The tennis ball sized tumor required immediate surgery, so Gary underwent an awake craniotomy less than one month before their scheduled wedding. Due to the location of the tumor, Gary had significant left side mobility deficits following the surgery. He was admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility where he participated in rigorous physical, occupational and speech therapies. Eventually, with the assistance of a MAFO (Molded Ankle Foot Orthotic) on his lower left leg and with the use of a cane, Gary had enough strength to support himself to walk on his own. He was released to go home just three days before their wedding. Despite everything that had happened (to include 2+ years of covid related postponements), Gary and Andrea were able to have their wedding in a more beautiful fashion than either of them had ever imagined.
Through continuous physical therapy and personal determination, Gary has made huge improvements regaining his mobility, but is still not able to do many of the things that bring him the most joy. As a former college athlete, being sidelined with mobility deficits in the game of life has been incredibly difficult for this previously very active couple to navigate. Prior to his seizure, Gary and Andrea were constantly on the move, whether running half marathons, flipping tires at the gym or enjoying hiking adventures. However, since his diagnosis, life has been nothing of what they had imagined. Doctors' visits. MRI’s. Radiation. Chemo. And this will be forever. At least, until there is a cure. Doctors know that Gary’s type of tumor should be responsive to treatment, but there is currently no cure available. As of today, Gary will never be in remission. Cancer will always be a part of their story. But it doesn’t have to be the whole story. Not if enough research can be funded to ensure people like Gary and their families do not have to endure the emotional, physical and mental toll that comes with this diagnosis. That’s why Gary and Andrea are proud to partner with Oligo Nation to raise awareness and funding for crucial research and development of new Oligo treatments.
