What began as a seemingly routine sinus issue quickly became a life-changing diagnosis for Putnam County resident Bradley Lupton.
Early this year, over a period of just two or three weeks, Lupton went from a standard ENT visit to confronting one of the rarest and most aggressive cancers known: sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). His condition was further identified through molecular testing as olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), a condition so rare that, since accurate records started being kept more than a century ago, only about 1,500 cases worldwide have been confirmed.
Still, despite the formidable diagnosis, there have been early signs of hope. After beginning intensive chemotherapy in February at Atlanta’s Piedmont Healthcare, Lupton experienced rapid improvement. By the second day of treatment, he was able to breathe through his nose for the first time in months. Following the first round of treatment, his tumor shrank significantly, an encouraging response that has shaped the course of Lupton’s care.
Now under the guidance of specialists at Emory Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta, Lupton will begin early in May on an aggressive seven-week course of combined chemotherapy and proton radiation therapy. The highly targeted treatment is designed to attack the tumor while minimizing damage to critical surrounding areas, including Lupton’s eyes and brain.
While the shift in treatment has all but eliminated the need for surgery, Lupton’s road ahead remains physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. He and his family will temporarily relocate to Atlanta for daily treatments, relying on the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge for housing when space is available.
His situation is further complicated, however, by an upcoming move to Birmingham, Ala., tied to a new job opportunity for his life partner.
For those who know Lupton, the diagnosis has struck particularly hard. Known for his warmth and steady presence in the community, he has long been involved in both business and the arts. From leading the Chamber of Commerce to performing in both Greensboro and Eatonton in such plays as “Big Fish,” “It's a Wonderful Life,” and “12 Angry Jurors,” Lupton is a familiar face to many.
Acts of kindness toward Lupton’s plight have ranged from messages and prayers to gestures of solidarity and financial contributions. The scale of his challenge ahead, however, calls for even more community and financial support.
Those wishing to help can contribute directly through online fundraising platforms established for Lupton, including a GoFundMe effort at gofundme.com/f/support-bradleys-cancer- fight, as well as through digital payment services such as Venmo and Cash App set up in his name.
In a battle defined by uncertainty, the strength of the community may prove to be one of the most powerful forces behind Lupton’s fight in the days, weeks, and months ahead.