Help Kev Get A New Liver

15 months ago, Kev was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer with extensive metastasis to his Liver.

At that time, he was told he would have less than 1 year to live with no surgical option to cure or extend his life. His care team stated he would be on chemo for the rest of his life, and that this could only slow disease progression - but there would be no hope for a complete cure.

Kevin and Rachelle intentionally chose to surround themselves with survivor stories and keep a positive outlook, refusing to accept this as the only option.

Throughout treatment, Kevin had an incredible response to the most intense chemotherapy available. As a result, he was able to have major surgery in August of 2022 to remove the primary cancer mass in his colon and place a hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) which can deliver up to 400 times more toxic chemotherapy directly to his liver.

Kevin endured 24 cycles of chemotherapy over this last year. Keeping a positive attitude, and a motivation to do everything he could to extend his life.  Kevin's disease continued to shrink but the tumors on his liver covered all 8 segments and were deemed inoperable to have a liver resection.

In February of 2023 Kevin and Rachelle became aware that a potential lifesaving surgical procedure involving a Living Donor Liver Transplant may be an option.

With strict patient criteria to become eligible, and only 3 institutions in North America that excel at performing this operation, Kevin and Rachelle travelled to Rochester, New York, for full patient testing and an assessment of eligibility.

Shortly after, Kevin was approved and asked to find a Living Donor. Incredibly once posting to social media, Kevin and Rachelle had more than 200 people call-in, willing to be assessed as a Living Donor.

Ultimately Kevin's cousin Trevor, a Firefighter in Canada was selected as the best candidate. After undergoing significant consults, extensive testing, and 3D liver modelling sent to Germany, the only center in the world for this type of assessment - it was confirmed that Kevin's cousin was a match.

Now, this next week - Kevin has the most important day of his life.

On 5/24, Kevin is scheduled to have this operation lasting almost 18 hours, including multiple surgical teams, and is an extremely complex case. Coming out of surgery, Kevin will be moved to the ICU, and have a minimum 6-week initial recovery in Rochester, before coming home for several more months of recovery, monitoring, and physical therapy. During Kevin’s time in New York, he will be away from his kids, and much of the time his Wife.

Trevor, Kevin's Donor - is making the ultimate selfless gift, in the hope that part of his Liver can cure Kevin from this disease.

Trevor lives in BC, Canada, and helping people is in his nature. He along with his wife Sandra, and their 4-year-old daughter Amy are so excited to welcome their second baby to the family, due in October!

Trevor knows that any drawbacks of the surgery far outweigh the prospect of Kevin potentially being cured. Being a husband and father increased his resolve when he considered Kevin's family and all they have gone through.

As a result of the surgery, Trevor will have to take time away from work as he recovers - which could be up to 6 months before returning to full duties. Unfortunately, he will not have access to short-term disability benefits and his recovery time off will be unpaid.

Please help the Demoskoff’s as they approach some significant medical and care expenses. Your gift will help offset costs related to:

- Lost pay for Trevor during recovery

- Travel and accommodations for Kevin, Trevor and their support

- Healthy meals while away from home

- On-going immunosuppression medications that Kevin will need to take daily for the rest of his life

Kevin, Trevor and their families cannot thank you enough for the generous donations and incredible support of this community.

Love,

The Demoskoff’s