Hey everyone, it’s Marissa here with an update on Steve’s journey. Sorry for not updating sooner- life has been crazy.

When Steve was first diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer back in early 2024, things looked really scary—his liver was almost completely taken over by tumors, there was a big mass causing him awful pain. He tried handling it naturally at first. But once he started chemo and dealt with the abscesses rupturing (which was the actual thing that almost killed him, he went septic 2 times) we’ve seen some amazing changes. Most recent Scans show the tumor in his rectum has shrunk & the spots in his liver are smaller and some even look like they’re healing up, and nothing new has popped up in his lungs or anywhere else! His blood tests that track the cancer have dropped way down when we first started he was over 1,200 CEA & is now sitting at a CEA of 6.1 after 26 rounds of treatment!!!

He’s hanging in there strong, feeling okay most days, and his doctor is even talking about surgery down the road after more scans in March. Steve has blown away his medical team at NKC with how well he responding to treatment & how good he looks. He’s climbed these mountains and over come every obstacle thrown his way.

But, it’s been tough along the way. The treatments hit him hard with side effects like a nasty rash all over his body, nail beds rotting, paper thin skin & here recently he has started losing his hair. He’s dealt with constant nausea, pain, and exhaustion that keeps him from working for most of the time. We’ve been in and out of the hospital more times than we can count—for pain flares, dehydration, infections, and just getting through the rough patches when the chemo just hit him harder than normal.

It’s taken a real toll on our family, emotionally and financially, but the love and support from all of you has meant everything. Your thoughts, prayers, messages, and help have lifted us up on the hardest days—we’re so incredibly grateful to have friends, family & community.

This fight isn’t over yet, but with Steve’s determination and your kindness & faith Steve continues pushing forward every single day. Every little bit truly helps, whether it’s a share, a donation, or just keeping us in your hearts. Thank you from the bottom of ours!

-The Blackmans.