As some of you may know, Steve has recently been diagnosed with throat (oropharyngeal) cancer and is about to begin seven weeks of chemotherapy and daily radiation. While the prognosis for this type of cancer is encouraging, the treatment itself is grueling. Fatigue, pain, difficulty swallowing, and the need for liquid or supplemental nutrition are common, and for many people, simply getting through the day becomes the hardest part.

Steve’s treatment will require long-distance travel every weekday for seven straight weeks, with round trips totaling more than 200 kilometres each day. There are no shortcuts, no missed days, and no easy alternatives. His partner, Laurie, will be driving him to and from appointments every day — sitting through treatments, managing details, and offering steady encouragement along the way. Winter weather may add another layer of challenge, and on particularly hazardous days, staying in a hotel near the hospital may be the safest option. If there’s one thing Steve loves, it’s a good drive, but this is one journey he’d gladly skip.

Laurie knows cancer far too well. She lives with a non-curable form of lymphoma that causes ongoing pain and fatigue and has made it impossible for her to work a regular job. Stress is a contributing factor in accelerating the growth of her cancer and can require further treatment, yet she remains fully committed to helping Steve through this journey. This is not a chapter they expected to revisit so soon.

Steve and Laurie are true partners in every sense. They met years ago while working together at the Oakville, Milton & District Real Estate Board — Steve in IT and Laurie in Membership — and they’ve been a team ever since. Steve has spent much of his career supporting real estate boards, MLS systems, board staff, and real estate agents behind the scenes, helping things run smoothly even when no one notices. Outside of work, cars are Steve’s passion and happy place, and he’s been a familiar face in the Kingston and Bay of Quinte car community, particularly at Shannonville Motor Speedway with the St. Lawrence Automobile Club. If you’ve been there, you’ve probably seen him or his pretty little blue GR86 (affectionately known as Gazoo). If you know Steve, you know his kindness, his dry humour, and his famously great hair — which we are relieved to report is not expected to be impacted by treatment. Small wins matter!

Currently Steve works for the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. They have been incredibly supportive and generous during this tough time and we can't thank them enough for the support they will provide while Steve goes through radiation and chemotherapy.

This fundraiser is about easing the pressure on a couple who are doing absolutely everything they can for each other. Donations will help with daily travel costs, hospital parking, medications, nutritional supplements as eating becomes more difficult, and the many small expenses that quietly pile up during cancer treatment — especially when weather and distance complicate an already demanding routine. Reducing that stress matters, not just for Steve’s recovery, but for Laurie’s health as well, so they can focus their energy where it’s needed most. And if a donation also keeps Laurie caffeinated for the drive, or keeps Potter, their beloved therapy dog, well stocked with treats, all the better. (Seriously — Potter takes his emotional-support role very seriously and accepts payment exclusively in snacks.)

If you’re able to donate, please know that every dollar truly helps. And if donating isn’t possible right now, sharing this page or sending a note of encouragement means more than you might realize. Cancer treatment is brutal — but Steve and Laurie are not facing it alone. They are surrounded by a community that cares deeply, and this page is a reflection of that love.

Thank you for being part of their village!