HELP DAVE RANJO, A HARD-WORKING AND LOVING FATHER, WITH BRAIN CANCER

I have always known Dave as a good husband, father, son and brother. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude to match. He was also always ready to help people by sharing his skills as an electrician. Like many Filipinos, Dave has sacrificed so much for his family.

In 2015, he came to New Zealand in search for greener pastures leaving behind his wife, Ruby Jane, and three children - David Theodore, now 11 y.o., Dane Zimone, now 8 y.o., and Dalvin James, now 5 y.o. His life changed when February this year, Dave was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer in the brain.

Dave initially reported severe headache for a week and thinking it was just related to his vision, he was seen by an eye specialist. The optometrist found papilledema, the swelling of the eye nerve, and he was referred urgently to Waikato Hospital-Emergency Department. He had a CT scan of his brain which showed a large brain tumour. A few days later, he had his first brain operation. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of the disease, the tumour has regrown after about 3 months and he needed another surgery in May 2020. This time around, the CT scan of his chest, abdomen and pelvis showed small nodules in the lungs and liver. He was under close monitoring, regular investigation and scans.

The family have discussed options about going home to the Philippines to spend time with his wife and children however, the global COVID19 pandemic made the situation more challenging. Because he wanted to recover, Dave decided to stay in NZ to have the other treatments in the form of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. He was planned for a 6-month course of Temazolamide but on the 5th month of his chemo, he noticed a growing lump on the side of his neck. After he went to see his neurologist for a check-up, he had a seizure episode and was admitted in the hospital for a week. After his discharge, he was placed in the surgical waitlist for a 3rd brain surgery. During this time, he started to develop right sided weakness. This slightly resolved after the surgery but on the 4th day after surgery, he developed lower limb weakness.

Even in sickness, Dave still thinks about helping other people. He is a participant of the clinical trial for people with Glioblastoma. He wants to make a difference to people afflicted with the disease by exploring other treatment options in the form of a metabolic diet therapy.

On 17th of November, Dave celebrated his 41st birthday with family and friends. His wife and children are now nearing the completion of their 14-day isolation and will see him in a few days. In their absence, Dave has received unconditional love and support from his sister-in-law and her family.

Over the course of time, financial strain has taken its toll on Dave's family both in the Philippines and here in NZ. Dave is still on work visa. We are humbly asking your kind hearts to help us by donating any amount to this cause. It is greatly appreciated and will help Dave's family. Your thoughts and prayers are also appreciated in this very difficult time. Thank you and may God bless you and your families.