Justin kicking Glioblastoma Ass

Hello,

Bad news, friends. The one and only Justin Stirn has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called glioblastoma.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glioblastoma/cdc-20350148 & https://glioblastomasupport.org.

It is cancer for which there is no known cure. Told you it was bad news.

Justin has already had brain surgery, it all happened very fast. From having a headache and feeling unwell, he was rushed to Victoria General after a CT scan in Campbell River revealed a large mass on his brain. Two days later he underwent surgery where doctors were able to remove most of the tumour. He is recovering well, got himself a pretty gnarr bar scar and is facing this as he does all of life, with humour and grace.

A result of this surgery he is 3 - 5 months off work, and he needs to be cleared before he can drive. He has already started on a doctor recommended diet to boost his noggin to optimum power, which includes specialty, expensive foods as well lots of different pills and vitamins to support his brain.

Next steps are still uncertain for treatment options, but trust he will do whatever he feels will serve him best, and no matter what the treatments are, they are expensive. Radiation would be in Victoria, and they will need accommodation, food and travel expenses. Working with a naturopath can average about $1000 a week and that’s not including the pills and diet or loss of wages.

It is unclear what the future holds, but the longer Lish (Alisha) can be off work to spend time with Justin and for them to care for one another through this time of grief and uncertainty, the better. Unfortunately, none of us can wave a magic wand and heal our friend, but we can ease the financial stress a medical crisis presents.

If you know Justin, you will know that this guy is basically positivity in human form. He is a kind and caring soul who never has a bad word to say about others and brings laughter wherever he goes. A true gem of a human who is loyal and steadfast, he is loved by many.

Dubtecha, (https://soundcloud.com/dubtecha) loves to play and make music and has no doubt had you shaking your tail feather if you live on Vancouver Island. Working quietly behind the scenes of many a show and festival, his steady, calm energy is such a part of who he is.

He loves disc golf, so much so that some might go so far as to call it an obsession; he honed his skills on Cortes where he immigrated as a kid, then later in life in the Comox Valley and beyond. With over 15 years tree planting, he has walked through ancient lands, growing forests behind him. If you have been lucky to eat some of the love that Justin creates in the kitchen, bless your lucky stars, for surely you left with a satisfied palate and a full belly. Justin worked as a cook for years on Cortes, then also in Australia when he went back to his homeland. His Mom and Dad now live in Canada too and have been happy to spend time with Justin, Lish and doggo, Freddie, after living apart for much of Justins 20s. Lish and Justin can be found out on their sailboat and deep in the Merv when he is home from work.

A diagnosis like this alters the course of life completely. They will never have the same carefree days of the past, but the love shared by their community is bound to be a comfort through these hard days. Please send your care, questions, and comments to deepcare4deepmerv at gmail dot com (We had to add those spaces and type out at and dot, to publish the address, no spaces and actual @ & . to reach them.) They appreciate the outpouring so much and also need to rest and recover, emailing your love, comments and questions means they can be in a great place when they read them. If cash is better for you, contact us at the same email address, or contact Carissa Wilson to arrange.

This GoFundMe will support their day-to-day needs, travels, stays, food & nourishments. Do you know some great places to eat, or know about a great place to stay, or an awesome park to visit, in Victoria? Share what you know https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16En8kXFmXuZMAcNUalGzCCGv-n95-FxYRFYY0VuqQEI/edit?usp=sharing