Defying a 1% Prognosis: Pete’s Fight Against a Rare Brain Cancer
When Pete was diagnosed with a Grade 4 diffuse astrocytoma, doctors told him he had a 1% chance of being alive in eight months. The prognosis was devastating, but it wasn’t the end of the story. Instead, it marked the beginning of a deeply personal journey that would redefine Pete’s health, strengthen his faith, and ignite a mission to show others that cancer does not have to be a death sentence.
“I don’t take for granted the fact that I’m alive today, when so many people are not.” – Pete
Subtle Symptoms, Shocking News
In late 2024, Pete began noticing changes that were easy to dismiss at first. He was dropping things, running into objects, and struggling to find words. His wife often finished his sentences. Even simple activities, such as serving a pickleball or throwing a baseball, suddenly felt impossible.
At his brother’s urging, Pete went to the emergency room the Monday after Thanksgiving. After hours of testing, doctors initially suspected glioblastoma. A second opinion at MD Anderson confirmed the diagnosis: Grade 4 diffuse astrocytoma.
“They told me I had a 1% chance of still being alive in eight months.”
Choosing a Personalized, Immune-Based Path
Pete was officially diagnosed on November 25, 2024. That same evening, he and his wife began researching options and consulting trusted experts. After careful consideration, Pete decided not to pursue chemotherapy or radiation, choosing instead an approach that aligned with his values and intuition.
Following surgery at MD Anderson, Pete had his tumor tissue sent to Immunocine, where a personalized treatment plan was developed using his own cells.
“There was nothing else like what Immunocine was offering — truly cutting-edge and personalized.”
Using Pete’s own tumor tissue, Immunocine created a personalized dendritic cell vaccine designed to activate his immune system to recognize and fight cancer.
Like many patients, Pete felt some anxiety going into treatment — largely due to the unknown. He was warned that the dendritic cell vaccines could cause flu-like symptoms. They never did. But what really stood out for him beyond the treatment itself was the experience of going to Immunocine.
“The science speaks for itself, but the family atmosphere — the way the team walked with us every step of the way — that’s something we’ll never forget.”
Rebuilding the Body to Fight Cancer
Through his experience, Pete built a comprehensive plan centered on five core pillars: diet, supplementation, detoxification, oxygenation, and faith. Rather than focusing solely on eliminating cancer, Pete wanted to understand how it had been able to grow in his body and how to change that environment entirely.
“[This plan] allowed my body to work for me instead of against me.”
Health, Gratitude, and a New Purpose
Today, Pete says he feels healthier than he ever has. By personalizing his nutrition and supporting his immune system, he’s not just surviving, he’s thriving.
Now, his passion is clear.
“I want to empower a generation to know they can overcome cancer.”
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