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Help Steve Fight for His Life: A Journey of Hope and Courage

  • An update from Steve: a massive thanks and successful treatment

      24 April 2025

    We are in Oroville, California and had the Histotripsy procedure yesterday (19 April). All went very well, it took about 4 hours and the Dr managed to liquify 6 tumors. The rest are too small and we’ll be attacking them with chemo starting next week. This is a fantastic outcome and we are more than pleased with the result.

    A massive thanks to all those that helped us to get here. I have been so overwhelmed by the generous support from the community and friends. To Nan Thompson and the cardio combat crew, Boogz Pita and friends, Steve Gillett and Glenn Palmer, Adam Hurdley and family for the fundraising you all arranged and to everyone that donated through the give a little page, a massive thank you as well. A special thanks to my Mum, my Dad and my sisters who have been incredible support through all of this, always being there when we need them and stepping up when I don’t have the energy.

    Onwards.

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  • Unexpected discovery brings more hope

      30 March 2025
    Posted by: Stephen Lyon

    Since I first became diagnosed with this disease, my wife has been insisting that I get tested for liver parasites known as liver fluke. They are known to be a cause of cholangiocarcinoma, but are practically unheard of in New Zealand. So much so that New Zealand apparently isn't even able to test for them.

    Live Fluke are found in SE Asia and can be acquired by eating undercooked freshwater fish.

    I have travelled extensively over the past 5 years and my wife felt that everything needed to be ruled out, including liver fluke.

    Now we are in Australia and have an excellent GP, we asked to be tested and he was able to request it. It turns out I am positive for liver fluke.

    What this means is that without this diagnosis we could never have definitively cured the cancer. But now we can take some simple meds and get rid of the underlying cause, opening the door to the curative treatments such as histrotripsy.

    My wife Lovelyn is my guardian angel. She is beside me every step of the way and does all the work and research I am unable to do. Her perseverance on this issue might just have saved my life.

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  • A Critical Step Forward in Steve’s Journey: Attending the Cholangiocarcinoma Annual Conference and Potential Treatment

      25 March 2025

    We have been blown away and humbled by your support! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

    We are thrilled to share some exciting news in Steve’s journey. The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation has awarded Steve a scholarship to attend the April Cholangiocarcinoma Annual Conference in the USA as a patient advocate. This is an incredible opportunity for Steve to connect with leading experts, learn about the latest treatments, and hear about cutting-edge research in his fight against cholangiocarcinoma while advocating for better access to treatment and a greater focus on curative treatments on behalf of his fellow patients.

    But that’s not all. We’ve just heard, the doctors who will be performing the Histotripsy treatment have reserved a slot for Steve during the same time as the conference if we can raise the funds in time. This is an ideal situation that allows us to combine both the conference and treatment, saving precious time and resources.

    This opportunity could be the game-changer in Steve's fight for life, and we are hopeful that, with your continued support, we can raise the funds needed to make this all happen.

    If you’ve already donated, thank you so much! If you can, we ask you to please share Steve’s page with your network or consider making a contribution to help cover the cost of the treatment.

    This is a critical moment in Steve’s journey, and we are so grateful for your continued support.

    With heartfelt thanks and gratitude,

    Rebecca and Sarah

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