Dear Family, Friends, and anyone visiting this page,

We are humbly asking for your support as we raise funds to provide our dear Sammy with access to new treatment options as he continues his battle with cancer.

Since his glioblastoma diagnosis in 2021, Sam has undergone multiple surgeries, hospital stays, chemotherapy, and radiation. The exceptional care provided by Dr. Reardon and his team at Dana-Farber, combined with the incredible support of family, friends, and community, has allowed Sam, Lauren, and the kids to live with as much normalcy as possible. We continue to be overwhelmed by—and deeply grateful for—this love and support.

What are we raising money for?

Recent scans and changes in Sam’s physical health have led us to explore treatments that go beyond the current standard of care. Because these therapies are still in clinical trial stages in the U.S., they are not covered by insurance, making this fundraiser necessary.

Funds raised will support two complementary treatment approaches led by Dr. Raymond Chang, MD FACP - an internationally recognized cancer physician and pioneer in integrative cancer therapies. The therapies are designed to work together: strengthening Sam’s immune system while targeting abnormal cancer cells. The goal is to slow the spread of new cancer cells and eliminate existing ones. Preliminary research shows significant promise when these therapies (Gamma-Delta T-Cell Therapy and Dendritic Cell Vaccine) are used in combination, and we want to give Sam the opportunity to benefit from this cutting-edge care.

Gamma-delta T-cell therapy identifies and destroys tumor cells without relying on traditional immune pathways, allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier. This therapy enhances the patient’s own immune response and has shown particular effectiveness against solid tumors. Treatments will be administered monthly in NYC, and any additional funds raised will help cover related travel and lodging expenses.
Sam’s team in NYC will then combine his T-cell therapy with a personalized dendritic cell vaccine developed in Germany. Using the leukapheresis process, doctors create a vaccine tailored to the patient that targets abnormal cancer cells. German clinics have used this therapy for over 20 years, often offering durable responses when conventional treatments have failed. The initial development of this vaccine requires that Sam travel to Germany, with the subsequent monthly infusions happening in NYC.

Our initial goal is to raise enough funds to allow for 3 months of treatment, to allow time for his team to evaluate their effectiveness.

We understand that this year has been emotionally and financially challenging for many. Any contribution—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference in funding his treatment and covering future unknown expenses supporting his comfort and care.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with Sam and his family during this journey.

Support Sam Vatrano

By Cancer Cant Inc

Support Sam Vatrano