amigos of dave

Friday, December 23, 2011

Brain Aid!

Hello All!

Things have been rough over the last few months, so while and until I compose a decent and thoughtful blog entry, here is the latest on the fundraising support.

The fundraising artistic competition calls for;

'budding or established artists to submit their interpretation of the human brain'

http://www.thisisaplaintee.com/artists.php
http://www.facebook.com/brainaid.lifeasweknowit?sk=info

We're excited to be a part of this little project. Mainly because they're interests David was and is very passionate about: the artistic interpretation portrayed onto something as simple as canvas and then getting it onto a tee-shirt. So simple. And of course the theme being totally related to David's case and cause. Please read up on This is a Plain Tee for more info on the concept and the project.

Thanks to Julia and Andy at This is a Plain Tee for getting on board and basically taking charge of the whole operation. And to the gentlemen at Black Coffee Lyrics for instigating and thinking proactive.

Thanks for the thoughts and the prayers.

Keep well and we hope to see some more friendly faces in the new year.

Daniel.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Good News & Salsa Night!

Hola Amigos,

This update is a mix bag relating to both Dave's progress and Amigo's fundraising efforts.
I'm happy to say that Dave was overjoyed in receiving the kind birthday wishes via facebook and more importantly with the friendly faces that have stopped by to say hello, digital or not. Since being back at home, Dave has started again with Dr. Burzynski's Antineoplaston treatment. And minus the month long hospital visit in Houston, we came home with good results from his last scan. There was close to 20 per cent reduction of his tumor! Ecstatic and joyous news we'll proceed with caution as his U.S hospitalization was due to pressure and fluid in the brain and not the tumor itself. With this in mind we'll make efforts to do what we can so that Dave can continue fighting for his ultimate goal; to regain a healthy life.

Our other priority of course is financial stability. Here the Amigos crew continue to organise fundraising events. Proceeding the Zumba event, next month's fundraiser will be 'The Amigo's Salsa Night'. It will be an evening coordinated by family and friends that helped organise last year's 'Latin BBQ in the Park'. On Saturday, August 13, you'll find us at Parkwood-Arundel Community Centre with food, music, drinks dancing and more dancing. Thanks again to the amigos involved and we're looking forward to a fun filled cultural fundraising event!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

WE ARE HOME!

We are home and ready for Zumba!

David Montoya

Background:
Feb 2008: In early 2008 Dave was diagnosed with a deep brain tumor- Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma, located in the right lateral ventrical. David had no signs of symptoms or ill health. The discovery of the tumor was brought about by a precautionary scan, taken after a bump to the head caused by fall from his bmx bike.

Mar 2009: Almost immediately he underwent his first surgery. Ever since then, Dave has been striving to become more informed about his condition, improving his health and in seeking treatments that would improve his chances with this disease. He was able to return to work and continue to pursue his passions.

Aug 2009: Saw the onset of symptoms of tumor growth and was not able to continue to work as his vision and balance were being effected due to the disturbance of the tumor from his first surgery.

Oct 2009: Lacking resources and scared into no other option, David was booked in for a second operation to remove what they could of the tumor.

Nov 2009: This second surgery had also postponed plans for tumor treatment. and due to the location and size of the tumor surgeons could not remove all of it and would now rely on other conventional adjunct thereapies.

David was re-diagnosed with Recurrent Low Grade Oligoastrocytoma and the new growth a Recurrent Low Grade Anaplastic Oligoastroytoma. Furthermore he was also now dealing with post surgery neurological damage which caused partial paralysis to the left side of his body (mainly his foot and some motor skills)

Dec 2009: Not convinced with conventional offerings.

Although most of it was removed, the fact that the tumor had mutated meant that there is a risk of it doing the same again, unless the necessary steps are taken to stop it.

Dec 2009: In between surgeries, David research and resourcing lead him to consider some conventional and non conventional treatments including Low-Dose Radiotherapy with Hyperthermia, and DMSO which are currently not available in Australia. At the moment he’s making good progress and with your help we should be able to realize these goals very soon. Camelot Cancer Care and Valley Cancer Institute are clinics we are aiming for.

Dec 2010: With much support, David was able to reach these goals. While on treatment, they proved effective. Slowing, and at some stages stopping growth while on the treatment. Unfortunately these treatment have their threshold. And it wasn't long before the tumor picked where it left off.

Objectives: To raise a substantial amount of money to help Dave reach his goals. Including travel, treatment and ongoing bills and expenses. As well as to share, teach and learn from ours and others experiences.

Method: Fundraisers, Donations- Direct PayPal into David's account.
godlovesugly@hotmail.com
amigosofdave@hotmail.com