FightingForMike

I am asking for prayers and help for my amazingly strong brother, Michael Cilliers

My 19-year-old brother has been diagnosed with a cancer called NUT Carcinoma (formally known as NUT Midline Carcinoma).

Mike came home from University for a short holiday and to spend some time with the family, however was unable to return due to the COVID-19 lock down in South Africa. Over this period, Michael started to experience pain in his neck with a small bump starting to form on the right hand- side of his jaw. Doctor’s appointment after doctor’s appointment followed. Eventually, an ENT (Ear, nose and throat specialist) finally came to the conclusion that Michael was possibly suffering from a blockage in the gland caused by salivary stones (basically like kidney stones but in the salivary gland). He decided the best course of action was to remove the gland as it was causing Michael a lot of pain. During surgery, the ENT noticed abnormalities around the salivary gland and that some of his lymph nodes in his neck did not look as they should. As a standard procedure the ENT sent off the gland for testing and it came back with the horrible news that we are dealing with today.

NUT carcinoma is a very rare cancer with only 30-40 people being diagnosed with this cancer every year around the world. Along with it being so rare it is also a highly aggressive cancer and does not respond well to many standard treatments. The cancer is not hereditary and no environmental exposures (chemicals, toxins, virus, and bacteria) have been identified as possible causes. It is completely random. The cancer begins in the squamous cells which have undergone genetic mutation commonly known as a fusion oncogene. In the case of NUT Carcinoma, the NUT gene is fused together with another gene (usually BRD4) and this fusion results in uncontrolled and abnormal squamous growth. There is currently no treatment protocol for this type of cancer due to it being so rare and aggressive, so each doctor treats it as they see fit. What shocked my family the most is survival time where the average is 6-7 months and this is why we are asking for your help.

We are going to try everything we possibly can in order to help my brother defeat his cancer. The medical aid pays for the standard cancer treatments but due to the short amount of time that we have, we are also looking to alternative treatments which are not covered. There are clinical trials which use BET inhibitors (unfortunately not in South Africa). We are currently waiting to hear if Michael has been accepted.We are also looking at sono photodynamic therapy along with other treatments that may assist in the fight against the disease

The alternative treatments and the trial are not covered by medical aid and the expenses are starting to mount. We are asking for donations to help cover Michael's expenses. Any little bit can help. I know times at present are extremely tough, especially with the epidemic that we are currently facing. In the event that you may not be able to donate we ask that you keep us in your prayers, we will greatly appreciate it. We do know that it is in God’s hands and hopefully he sends us a miracle.

Blessed Regards,

Maruchelle

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