Inspiration: Philip Califano

Our son Philip was diagnosed on July 6, 2009 with an inoperable brainstem tumor. Immediately upon diagnosis in New York and meeting with several local pediatric oncologists, we opted to take him to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Tennessee for the finest care and treatment. Their treatment plan consisted of chemotherapy with Vandendib and 30 sessions of radiation. On January 5, 2011, his treating physician at St. Jude’s, Dr. Baker, sadly, advised our family that the chemotherapy was no longer working and, as a last resort, Philip was started on Etoposide to, hopefully, slow the growth of the tumor. He told us that Philip, who is only 7 years old, has a life expectancy of four to six months.

That answer is unacceptable to our family and, most importantly, Philip. Since the onset of this situation, we have continually done research to make sure he is receiving the most updated and quality treatment. We have sent scans and written reports to numerous hospitals throughout the country only to get the same response that there are no treatment protocols available to save Philip’s life. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT… AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO OUR FAMILY.

There is a Advanced Alternative Cancer Treatment specialist located at the Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas that has been successfully using the drug Antineoplastons in patients with Philip’s condition. The only insurance that Philip has is HIP and Medicaid, and unfortunately this form of treatment is not covered by insurance. We believe this drug will save Philip’s life. Can you please find a way to assist us in covering the expense for this drug? Either by a charitable donation or intervening with Medicaid on our behalf to pay for the drug as no other option is available. It is our famiy’s right as tax paying American citizens to be given every opportunity to save our little boy’s life. Our son deserves a chance to live. We have exhausted all of our savings and the money that was raised via benefits to help our travel to St. Jude’s in Tennessee.

WE ARE DESPERATE TO SAVE PHILIP’S LIFE. PLEASE FIND A WAY TO HELP US!

Time is of the essence. Your kindness, generosity and assistance are much needed and appreciated during this most trying of times in our lives.

With our deepest sincerity,
Edualdo and Lisa Califano

The Guardian Brain Foundation encourages you to submit your words of encouragement to inspire others and provide emotional support.