Steven's journey to health

In March 2017, Steven was in a car accident. The intensity of the back pain he experienced, followed by abdominal pain, seemed a mystery, until an emergency colonoscopy showed that a tumour was blocking his intestine. At 32, he was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Since then Steven, working with an incredible team from the Jewish General Hospital, and supported by family and friends, has gone through radiation, surgery, hospitalizations and 2 rounds of chemotherapy. This included his first surgery in October 2017. Doctors thought it would be a routine procedure to remove a tumour from his intestine, but during surgery discovered that the cancer had spread to his abdominal wall. The surgery lasted an incredible 16 hours. While doctors were able to remove all the cancer they found, Steven needed to spend another 2 months in the hospital recovering. In all, he has spent just over 4 months in the hospital over the past year.

Understandably, all these procedures and hospital stays have taken a toll.

Just before his diagnosis Steven had graduated from an electrician program. He was looking forward to beginning a new career, and also starting a new life with his girlfriend in their own home. Those plans had to be put on hold after his diagnosis (but Steven and his loved ones are still working hard to make that it a reality!).

Following the surgery and his recovery, his chemotherapy was proceeding well while he lived in his family home, with his parents, Wendy & Mike McSorley, who are  supporting him through his treatments. It was therefore a shock in mid-August when doctors informed him that scans showed the cancer had at some point – likely during his recovery from surgery but before he could begin chemotherapy – spread beyond his intestine and abdomen, to his liver and to lymph nodes near his pancreas. Unfortunately, the size and positioning of the cancer on his liver means that surgery is not yet an option, and chemotherapy will need to continue for several more months. It is a new hurdle, but one that, with our support, we know that Steven can face.

How you can help:

Everyone who knows Steven knows him as a loving and thoughtful partner, son, brother, cousin and friend. He has a great sense of humour, a quick laugh, and is always willing to lend a helping hand both to his loved ones and within his community.

The outpouring of support and love since Steven’s initial diagnosis has been incredible. There is no doubt that this has helped him through this difficult time. Many people have asked how they can help, but it’s often been difficult to say how – and it can be hard to even know what is needed. Right now, as Steven’s journey to health continues, the contributions from you, his community and friends, that we can raise through this campaign, will help him get the support and resources he needs to carry him through the medical procedures ahead. On top of his upcoming surgery and ongoing chemotherapy, is important that he has access to additional alternative treatments such as acupuncture, osteopathy, nutritional consultations to keep his body healthy and allow him to fight this disease. There is also the possibility of experimental treatments and clinical trials outside the province. These are all options he will need to overcome this terrible disease but unfortunately these are all quite expensive and require additional funds.

Together, we can make sure that finances don't place a limit on Steven's option and help him to get the important treatments that he needs. Thanks you so much for all of your help and support.