I am uniting with others to make a difference in the fight against brain tumors. I am passionate about this cause, because my son, Ming Dang has been diagnosed with brain cancer. I need your help in this fight. I am participating in the Race for Hope Philadelphia - National Brain Tumor Society on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Cooper River Park, Pennsauken, NJ. Please join me in the race and/or donating to support the cause.

In early July 2023, my son, Minh Dang, has been diagnosed with Diffuse pediatric-type high-grade glioma, a form of aggressive brain cancer. Minh has five inoperable tumors. It has been 14 months, and I am happy to report that Minh is doing well and still fighting. he completed 6-weeks of radiation treatments back in Aug/Sep '23. After 12 cycles of chemo treatment (TEMODAR), the tumors finally showing signs of shrinking. So we are continuing the treatments and hoping for the best outcome. While he is not out of the wood yet (or ever will be?), we are happy with the progress.

The journey has not been all smooth sailing, however. There had been three episodes of seizure with the most serious one in October '23, where he had to be incubated for 36 hours because they could not stop the seizure. The last seizure was in March '24. Multiple hospital stays, several ambulance calls, including two helicopter medical transports. In June, Minh had his shunt replaced because the old shunt over-draining causing subacute/chronic subdural hematoma, or in lament term, pooling of blood in the brain. Minh is currently on two different anti-seizure medicines, along with medicine to help with his memory. 

Minh is currently doing well. He has lost a lot of his weight gained from when he was on steroid medicine. He is walking daily to build up his strength, watching lots of TV, playing video games, spending quality time with his grandma, and going out on the weekend with his friend, Sam. While he is still suffering short-term memory loss, due to the cancers and anti-seizure medications, he remains positive and content, with occasional emotional outbursts. 

The road ahead is still long and uncertain but we are hopeful. Please keep Minh and our family in your thoughts and prayers. 

National Brain Tumor Society will not rest until a cure exists - but more needs to be done. Please join in my effort!