Help Doug Fight a Rare Stage 4 Cancer

For a family of two teachers and two small children, the start of a new school year is usually a time of optimism, excitement, and new opportunities. However, for Doug, his wife and high school sweetheart Lindsay, and their two boys, Gavin (9) and Finley (4), this year marked the beginning of Doug's fight for his life.

This terrifying journey began when Doug answered a phone call inside his classroom. The voice of his doctor on the other end was unexpected, but the news he received was devastating – a diagnosis that would turn their world upside down. From that moment, with Lindsay by his side, what began as optimism for a speedy recovery and return to the classroom quickly turned into a series of nightmares.

Doug was initially diagnosed with an extremely rare form of appendix cancer. Further tests revealed a more advanced and aggressive case: Stage 4 Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the appendix – a condition so rare, it affects only about 1 or 2 people per million each year. This diagnosis meant Doug's journey would be far from easy, lacking clear treatment options or guarantees.

Given the severity and spread of his cancer, Doug is no longer a candidate for surgical treatment in Saskatchewan. At this point, his best hope is a specialized treatment out of province known as HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy). This procedure starts with a lengthy surgery to scrape or remove as much of his abdominal cavity as possible, followed by injecting heated chemotherapy directly into his abdomen to get at any remaining cancer. It will involve months of treatments and hospital stays out of province, and while it offers hope, it's also a physically draining process that comes with risks and side effects.

In addition to HIPEC, Doug will undergo several months of chemotherapy in Saskatoon prior to and following his surgery. This grueling treatment protocol will take around 18 months or more to complete, and given the high risk of recurrence with his diagnosis, further treatment options in the United States are being considered as necessary. It won't be easy for Doug, but without such treatments his condition is considered terminal.

Doug is a feisty and fiery fighter who is resolute and determined to grow old with his best friend, Lindsay, and experience life with his two boys. But no one should fight alone. Doug has always been the one to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, and a comforting word. Now, he needs us to be that for him.

We are asking for help and assistance in supporting Doug and his family on this terrifying journey in any way possible. With Doug unable to work for the foreseeable future and facing significant out-of-province medical expenses – potentially even treatment in the United States – the financial burden on the family is substantial.

We are raising funds to help cover the considerable living and travel expenses Doug and his family will face to access his life-saving treatment.

Should Doug's courageous battle end not as we hope, these funds will also be used to support and care for Lindsay and Gavin and Finley, as Doug would have wanted.

If you are in a position to contribute financially or offer emotional and other forms of support, it would mean the world to us.

Your kindness and support during this terrifying journey are so appreciated by Doug and his family.

Thank you for helping Doug win this fight for his life. Your support helps make this difficult journey just a bit more manageable for Doug, Lindsay, Gavin, and Finley.

NOTE - if you wish to donate directly to Doug and Lindsay by e-transfer or cheque (to avoid the go fund me fees), please send a message for more information.

Message from Lindsay:

I am thankful for the unconditional love that Doug has given me over our 22 years together, for the strength that he has been showing for both of us, and for the strength he will need to fight this. He is my person, my soulmate, my best friend, and I cannot and will not imagine my life without him.

One day at a time, and no one fights alone.