Now in Germany receiving treatment, 13 year-old Glenn Lightner of Long Valley is doing well, following a minor surgery back in the United States nearly three weeks ago.

Lightner, battling anapestic ependymoma grade III brain cancer, has undergone a total of six surgeries in the U.S., in addition to chemotherapy treatment, but the disease persists. 

Currently in Bad Aibling, Germany, Lightner is receiving treatment from a professor who “speaks about his anticipated results with quite a bit of confidence,” according to Larry Lightner, Glenn’s dad.

“It’s pretty refreshing to hear and see a more enthusiastic approach to treatment,” Larry Lightner said.

Undergoing hyperthermic treatment in Germany, the teen is doing fine, his father said, and is being injected with supplements that include some of the raw base ingredients that make up a chemotherapy drug, but without the toxicity.

Lightner will head back to Belgium, where he began this process of receiving alternative treatment, in about 10 days, then will go to Germany for an additional week or two, Larry Lightner said.

To see comprehensive coverage of Glenn Lightner’s journey and the community’s fundraising efforts, go to Long Valley Patch’s topic page here.

Community Support Continues

After dozens of fundraisers throughout the township raised more than $124,000 for the family to pursue the overseas alternative treatments, the community support will continue on June 9 at the Schooley’s Mountain Fire Protection Association.

The Washington Township Fire Department will host a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. that day. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Lightner family.

Donation request is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages five to 10. Kids 4-years-old and under are free. Dinner, music, fire trucks and treats for the children will be available.

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