Help Kristin Steeves (Gorr) Battle Cancer

“You have cancer” is a phrase that everyone hopes they will never hear, and dreads what will happen to them or their loved ones when those words are spoken. Kristin Steeves (Gorr) and her family were shocked to hear those words uttered in August of 2022. “This can't be happening again to our family” she was thinking. They are not strangers to hearing those words.

For those of you who may not have known, Kristin and her family have unfortunately heard those words uttered to their loved ones before. It was nearly 30 years ago when those words, “you have cancer” were spoken to Kristin’s mother. She was just in her mid-thirties with a young family, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and given 6 months to live. Kristin’s mother fought with all her might to beat cancer for 3 years, but unfortunately fell victim to the disease at 39 years old. Kristin was just 9 years old.

As a young woman, Kristin was always told to be aware and cautious of her breast health due to the fact she lost her mother to breast cancer. Despite a lifetime of self-examinations and even proactive genetic testing, Kristin discovered a large breast lump just before her 38th birthday. With a young family of her own, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer - a very aggressive form of cancer. She immediately began the life changing journey that most cancer patients undergo. She was all too familiar with how important time is in these situations.

Kristin immediately began chemotherapy treatments to fight back quickly against the disease. Initially, the treatments seemed promising as the large tumour began to shrink. The relief was short-lived however, and in mid-November, the medical team informed Kristin that they found the cancer had spread into additional lymph nodes despite the aggressive treatments. The team of doctors reassessed the initial treatment options with a board of specialists to understand why the cancer was still spreading. The team opted to switch her treatment to the harshest chemotherapy drug known, to stop the spread of cancer immediately. The treatments were indeed harsh, which took a significant toll on Kristin’s body. She was hospitalized for nearly 2 weeks in December from the effects of chemotherapy, fighting hard to make it home to see her children and family in time for Christmas.

Kristin completed her final round of chemotherapy in February 2023. She quickly began preparing herself for the next stage in her treatment plan; a double mastectomy. After the surgery to remove both breasts and all of the lymph nodes on her right side, the pathology report, unfortunately, showed extensive residual disease was present. Even with the recommended drug protocols from her oncologist, Kristin was given an overall 'poor' prognosis. Regardless of using the harshest chemotherapy treatment, the cancer did not respond as the team had expected. Radiation therapy followed and began shortly after surgery in an attempt to eradicate any of the remaining cancer cells.

After regathering themselves from the news, Kristin and her family took inspiration from her mother and continued the fight for her life. After exhausting the options available in the Canadian healthcare system, Kristin and her husband, Shane Steeves, have relentlessly researched and decided to seek additional treatments in the United States – where access to additional treatments and specialized care can be provided. Kristin has chosen a highly reputable facility in Arizona where she will need to stay for 2-3 months continuously, and is planning to arrive in June of 2023. It is a difficult decision for Kristin to leave her family, Hudson (10), Isla (8) and husband Shane to undergo treatments, however, we believe undergoing specialized treatments would be the best option for Kristin to reclaim her health and prolong her life.

Unfortunately, the cruelty of this disease has left Kristin and her family physically and emotionally drained, and in need of further support. It is estimated that the medical costs could reach as much as $200,000.00 CAD, putting further financial stress on her and her family at a time when we are hoping her energy can be directed toward healing.

We are asking for your help in providing any financial assistance to alleviate some of the overwhelming stress on their shoulders, enabling Kristin and Shane to focus entirely on helping her regain her strength and health, and ultimately win this battle against cancer. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will be greatly appreciated by Kristin and her family.

We understand that not everyone can give, but also feel free to share this link in any manner you wish. Kristin and Kristin’s family have been ever so grateful for the love and support they have received from everyone who has been a part of the journey so far. The impact you have given them through even the smallest gestures has made the burden easier to manage.

We are thankful for you taking the time to learn about Kristin’s story and hope that you keep Kristin and her family in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Kristin Steeves (Gorr), Family, and BreastPals