Charity News

UK Glioblastoma Fundraiser To Support Urgent Treatment—GoFundMe Campaign Launch

Asta Pratapaviciene has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “You’re My Only Hope” to raise £100,000 for a specialised private treatment not accessible via standard care that could offer a lifeline to her partner Raimondas, who was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and fast-growing brain tumour. More information can be found at https://gofund.me/c11576b0 Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumour in UK adults, affecting approximately 2,500 people every year. According to The Brain Tumour Charity, average survival following diagnosis is 12 to 18 months, with only a small percentage surviving beyond five years. Its invasive nature makes it difficult to remove surgically, and even with aggressive therapy, recurrence is common. Only around 25% of patients survive more than one year, and fewer than 3% make it past three years. For Asta and Raimondas, the diagnosis upended their future. After eight years together, having both emerged from previous divorces, the couple had been building a new life until Raimondas began experiencing symptoms that led to the devastating news. “It feels like the ground has been pulled from beneath our feet,” Asta said. Though the NHS offers standard treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, glioblastomas are notoriously difficult to remove because of their tentacle-like growths that wrap around essential brain structures. Asta says they are seeking specialised private therapy specifically for Raimondas’ cancer, an option that provides hope but comes at a prohibitive cost. “Raimondas is full of life, dreams, and love - and he’s not ready to give up. Neither am I,” she added. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has received over £6,000 from 140 donors. Pratapaviciene remains hopeful and encouraged by the initial outpouring of support. The tumour has already impacted Raimondas’ life dramatically, but Asta says they are undeterred. “We’re asking for your kindness and support to help us afford this treatment,” she said. “Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to giving Raimondas a fighting chance.” Each contribution is protected under the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which provides full donor protection for a year regardless of location. Those wishing to support the fundraiser can donate or follow treatment updates at https://gofund.me/c11576b0