In April 2023, Andrew Derrington started to experience weakness in his right arm and leg. Despite initially dismissing these early signs, he eventually booked in for an MRI which revealed a large tumour lodged deep in his brain. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the tumour was Grade 4 brain cancer -inoperable due to its central position. He was 54.

Since then, and despite the loss of mobility on his right side and the many weeks and months of invasive radiation and chemotherapy, Andrew’s remained committed to maintaining a positive outlook and a strong resolve to beat this disease using both conventional medical intervention, as well as embracing holistic and metabolic therapies.

However, on top of the health challenges he has had to endure, he, and his wife and carer Anita, discovered the serious shortcomings of having brain cancer in a regional centre of Australia, away from big-city expertise and coordinated medical support.

As a result, Andrew, with the help of family and close friends, started Paddo’s Foundation. ‘Paddo’, a nickname borne of a comical photo from university days, is passionate about supporting people like him; those who shoulder the disease but whose voices get lost as medical experts takeover. His mission is to help people with brain cancer reclaim control over their treatment program and manage the disease on their terms.

The foundation connects regional and rural families experiencing brain cancer with the right people to build the best support team. We aim to empower people with brain cancer to achieve the outcome they want, as well as to help fund those who research and fight it.

Brain Cancer is tough. Too tough to navigate alone. We’re your brain cancer buddy.