A little goes a long way for Las

For many, cancer is a word that instills fear and worry. For our brother Las and his family, this has been a reality since July 2013 when he was only 29 years old. Las has a form of cancer called Synovial Sarcoma (grade 3) and is the second person in the world to have this occur within his brain according to oncologists. Multiple surgeries, treatments, appointments, scans and medications have put a huge mental, physical and financial strain on Las and his young family- his beautiful wife Noelz and 3 young sons. Unfortunately these intensive treatments have left Las with radiation necrosis of the brain. This is again a very rare but very serious side effect that results in permanent and irreversible brain tissue damage.

Las was the main bread winner of the family but hasn’t been able to work since his last surgery in 2020. With the diagnosis of the necrosis it is unlikely he will be able to work again in the foreseeable future. Noelz is his full time carer and handles all his affairs, all while taking care of their sons and her parents too. Medical bills and day to day expenses are outweighing the help that the government and our family can provide.

The oncology team have recommended a treatment called Avastin to help manage blood supply to the brain tissue and to prevent the cancer recurring for the third time. Unfortunately this is not a funded medication. Estimated costs for the medication alone exceed $69,000 and this does not include costs for additional testing and administration of the medication.

We would do anything for our brother and this page is a small way that we can ultimately help in a big way. The funding would be used primarily for the Avastin treatment. Anything left over would go towards living expenses for Las, Noelz and their sons. For anyone that knows Las, he is a genuine guy that would do anything to help anyone. His love for his family is immeasurable and this battle has been handled with such grace by Noelz and their boys. We fully appreciate the financial strain that other families face, especially with Covid affecting so much last year. Any donations, big or small, are so appreciated and would make the world of difference to Las and his quality of life.