Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest brain cancers, and standard care often isn’t enough. Here’s what makes this disease so relentless, and how one couple is fighting for another option.
Eight years ago, Asta and Raimondas found each other after painful divorces, two people rebuilding, ready for a fresh start. But everything changed when Raimondas was diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers.
Now, they’re sharing their story and asking for help through a public GoFundMe campaign to access specialised private treatment. It’s a last resort, but one they believe could give Raimondas a real fighting chance
Glioblastoma is the most common cancerous brain tumour in adults. Roughly 3,200 people are diagnosed with it each year in the UK.
But it’s not just common, it’s aggressive. Unlike other tumours that stay contained, glioblastoma sends out thin, invasive tendrils that wrap around healthy brain tissue, making it nearly impossible to remove completely through surgery.
Standard treatments, like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, can slow it down, but even the best-case scenarios offer limited time. The Brain Tumour Charity reports an average survival of just 12 to 18 months. Less than 20% of patients make it past the first year. Beyond three years, that number drops below 3%.
While the NHS provides essential support, the treatments available don’t always cover more specialised, targeted options that may offer better outcomes for rare or aggressive cancers.
“There’s a specific therapy we believe can help Raimondas,” says Asta. “But it’s only available privately, and the cost is far beyond what we can afford alone.”
At the time of writing, Asta’s campaign, titled "You’re My Only Hope," has raised just over £6,000. It’s a start, but they’re still far from the £100,000 needed to move forward.
If you want to help or if you’re simply looking to learn more about this disease and how it affects real people, Asta’s story is a place to start.
