'Jessica Jones' star Eka Darville reveals son, 9, has rare brain cancer, asks people to pray for him

Eka Darville's son, Mana, had a seizure in July 2022 and his right side has been paralyzed since

UPDATED APR 13, 2023

Eka Darville revealed his son, Mana, had a rare form of brain cancer (ekadarville/ Instagram)

HOUSTON, TEXAS: An Australian actor urged everyone to pray for his nine-year-old son who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive glioneuronal brain cancer. Eka Darville, best known for starring in 'Power Rangers RPM' and Marvel's 'Jessica Jones', revealed his son, Mana, had undergone his second surgery in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, April 12, to remove the tumor in his brain.

In July 2022, Darville, 34, and his wife Lila's lives changed after Mana had a seizure and collapsed on a beach, leaving his right side paralyzed. The boy had very bad seizures until in January, an MRI revealed he has brain cancer with two large tumors, one the size of a peach and another a walnut, growing in his brain. "At the time, he was misdiagnosed with Focal Cortical Dysplasia, a brain abnormality that had supposedly been there since birth," a GoFundMe Darville started read.

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Only 60% of one tumor removed

The biggest risk Mana now faces is he could lose the limited movement in the paralyzed right side of his body. After the child underwent a 14-hour operation in Australia only 60% of one tumor could be removed. It was only later that Darvile and Lila learned Mana had brain cancer and the doctors there could do little. "Anyone who has met Mana will agree that keeping him here is something worth fighting for," the fundraiser read.

Mana underwent his second major surgery in the US this week to remove the primary tumour in his brain (GoFundMe) — Mana underwent his second major surgery in the US this week to remove the primary tumor in his brain (GoFundMe)

The GoFundMe had a video documenting Mana's journey. "We’ve found two clinics in the US that are having stunning success treating paediatrics and curing the “incurable.” We are in contact with families of kids with similar diagnoses as Mana who are now in full remission," read the page. The treatments at both these clincs cost between $17,000 and $35,000 a month and neither is covered by insurance. "We need to raise enough to cover the first 9-12 months of treatment, plus medical devices, medications, international travel/accommodation and childcare for our other two boys," the fundraiser added.

'All this will take time'

"Once in remission, we'll still have the monumental task of rehabilitating the extensive neurological damage as he learns to walk and move his right arm/hand again. All of this will take time and unwavering dedication. Until Mana is well, we both will be exclusively caring for Mana and administering the hourly treatments he requires," Darville stated in the fundraiser. The video showed Mana caring for his two younger brothers before his condition deteriorated. "He has experienced nine of the richest, most unique lives on this planet," Darvile added.

The fundraiser raised $625,701 at the time of writing. "The journey continues and we are unshaken in our resolve to heal Mana fully and completely," the Darvilles posted in the latest update, adding, "Your love, belief and collective power have fortified our love of humanity. Mana's story will be a story of beauty, power & triumph of the human spirit."

Darville's friends, including actors JR Ramirez, former 'Power Rangers' co-star Dan Ewing and Sara Wiseman are among hundreds who have forwarded their best wishes and support to the family. Former 'Jessica Jones' co-star Krysten Ritter and 'Daredevil' actress Deborah Ann Woll shared Mana's story on their Instagram pages.