Stephen presented with debilitating symptoms in October 2024. He had pain in his chest which persisted for months with worsening symptoms. He was eventually hospitalized and the infection was cleared from his system but left lasting damages. The scar tissue left from the infection closed his throat to about the width of a grain of rice. He is unable to eat and was fitted with a feeding tube for nutrition in Early 2025. Unfortunately, the initial infection was another symptom of a greater danger still unknown. Throughout his treatment Stephen began experiencing crippling leg pain causing him to be unable to walk or stand for long periods of time. This eventually led into back pain which caused him to be unable to bend or move without medication. He went to several orthopedic specialists to rectify the problem After several weeks of tests and attempts to relieve the pain, the cause was found. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma which had spread to his bone marrow, causing spinal fractures and bone lesions. As of now, Stephen is designated as Stage 4, and undergoing chemotherapy treatments. After chemotherapy, he will need to have his spine and throat repaired, and is in for a long term period of rehabilitation. He is currently severely immunocompromised and unable to leave the house. He is doing everything he can to not be hospitalized for long-term care.

Stephen is married to Jessicca, and is the father of a 6 year old girl, Luna; a 4-year old boy, Logan; and step-father to a 16-year old bright young man named Jake. Stephen managed a bustling restaurant until he became unable to perform his duties. Losing his ability to maintain his profession has caused his family to have to lose their apartment and move in with his mother. He is attempting to locate some kind of remote work but has several appointments and procedures to work around. The family has three school age children, and is struggling to maintain a standard of living where they can retain both vehicles, and afford all the costs that come with a debilitating illness.

Stephen misses his job and his friends, and thanks everyone who has checked up on him. He is very positive and hopeful and looking forward to another win.

Stephen has a good outlook on treatment. He is young and otherwise healthy. This will be a rough road but we are all looking forward to having our boy back and fully fit by this time next year. He is interested in home craft kits to fight the boredom and play with his kids if you want to reach out to the family personally and are unable to donate funds.