LI Woman Starts Fundraiser For Brother Diagnosed With Rare Cancer

LONG ISLAND, NY - A Long Island woman is hoping to raise $10,000 to help her younger brother, who was recently diagnosed with a rare cancer.

Earlier this month, West Islip resident Marisa Brady started an online fundraiser to help her brother Steven Brady, of Copiague after he was diagnosed with a rare malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

After Steven had surgery last month, thinking that the tumor was removed with no issues, his doctor mentioned that the tumor looked "grossly negative" upon removal.

"[This] had us hoping that there was a chance maybe this was benign after all and gave us some hope," Marisa wrote on the GoFundMe page, "Maybe the bad news was over and he could breathe with no worries."

However, the family found out that the biopsy done post surgery confirmed he had cancer and a very rare one at that.

"Both a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor and Malignant Triton Tumor," Marisa wrote. "Something the doctor said doesn't happen very often."

Now, Steven is unable to work while he has to have many weeks of radiation and several scans every three months. He also has to be monitored very closely.

"Any one who knows my brother knows he stubborn, he didn't want to ask for help," Marisa said.

After speaking to her brother, Marisa convinced him to start the fundraiser on GoFundMe to "build up some support for him."

"This situation has him feeling cornered, stressed and scared," she wrote. "This is truly changed his life in so many ways, as well as the lives of those who love him."

The money raised would go towards Steven's medical bills and expenses that may not be covered including travel to and from doctors appointments, radiation, general bills and more.

As of Tuesday, the page has raised a total of $1,260.

"I feel horrible for my brother, it has been so stressful for him," she said.

To learn more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.

Image via GoFundMe