help Dave

Dave is battling a massive, life-threatening, partially malignant, astrocytoma brain tumor.

Over two neurosurgeries last December and this January, 80% of the tumor was removed. The surgeries were followed by 6 weeks of combined proton therapy and chemo treatments. Dave will continue with monthly chemo and MRIs every other month for a year and then regular MRIs for years afterwards.

The tumor is the big, gray mass on the left.

I’m reaching out to ask for your help. Please consider a donation of any size to help Dave cover basic living expenses and his portion of current and future medical costs. Your donation will go to The David Carlson Special Needs Trust that was created specifically for Dave’s medical care.

Dave is studying to be a neurologist or a neuropsychiatrist at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He’s halfway through his 3rd of 4 years of med school. Last Thanksgiving Dave told us he’d scheduled an eye exam because of his recurring headaches and vision problems. The exam showed swollen optic nerves. Dave was sent directly to the Emergency Department.

Everything changed for Dave and his family when an MRI revealed the huge tumor. Deep and dangerously close to Dave’s brainstem, it had shifted the midline of his brain, infiltrated critical areas and damaged others. Immediately, Dave was hospitalized for surgery.

The surgical risks included incapacitating brain damage, paralysis, and complete vision loss. Fortunately, most of the tumor was safely removed. However, Dave has some permanent visual field loss. He can’t drive and may never be able to again.

Dave after surgery and later at the Proton Radiation Center

The good news and what makes us so very hopeful is that a recent MRI shows tumor shrinkage – very unusual, especially this early in treatment. There are ongoing medical advances too. Dave has a recently identified genetic marker that indicates a better prognosis. All this, along with his impressive progress and his resilience has us very encouraged that Dave can beat this.

Please help give Dave a second chance in life so he can pursue his dream and continue to serve. Your kindness and generosity will contribute to the success of an empathetic, compassionate, wise doctor who knows firsthand what it’s like to be a patient needing life-saving treatment.


Thank you in advance for helping Dave continue to make a difference. Please share his story with others who may be moved to help.