Carlos G. Baldoceda was starting his junior year at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Carlos first underwent a biopsy at USC hospital and his diagnosis of an Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade III was made. He then underwent a craniotomy at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He came out of the surgery with flying colors. The next step in his treatment was a combination of radiation and chemotherapy for six weeks. When the radiation was completed, he continued only on Temodar, a type of chemotherapy. After a consultation at Duke University Medical Center he added another type of chemotherapy, CCNU, to his regimen. Carlos did great for one year. He was able to see his friends, go back to school, and do what he enjoyed most -- play the guitar.

In November 2002, almost exactly one year after diagnosis, Carlos' tumor recurred. Another biopsy was done to confirm that the grade of the tumor had not changed. His chemo regimen was switched to CPT-11 with Tamoxifen. During this six-week course, Carlos' tumor continued to grow, and Carlos began to have his first symptoms from the tumor. He started complaining of left-sided arm weakness and feeling unsteady when he walked. The doctors at Duke then decided to put Carlos on an experimental protocol of Temodar and O-6BG. Though very harsh, this therapy help the tumor stable for four months. Throughout his diagnosis, Carlos tried different complementary medicine therapies, including nutritional supplements, herbs, teas, and an unconventional combination of chemotherapeutic drugs including accutane, thalidomide, and tamoxifen.

In May of 2003 Carlos' tumor began to grow aggressively again. His medical team at Duke recommended that he stop treatment and begin hospice care. Carlos returned to Chicago and spent his last few months surrounded by friends and family who loved him. Carlos passed away peacefully on August 5, 2003.

Mission: the Carlos G. Baldoceda Memorial Fund (Carlos' Fund) is dedicated to supporting young persons with a passion for music and to raising awareness and money to eradicate brain tumors.