Steve met his daughter Georgie while lying in ICU after an 11 hour surgery to remove his cancer. Read Steve's story and why the Highton dad has jumped on board as a Dry July Ambassador for 2021.
The father of two’s cancer journey began with severe stomach pains in August 2019.
The discomfort came out of nowhere, persisted for a few days and steadily got worse. He went to emergency twice and eventually had an exploratory gastroscopy. The following afternoon he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer which is uncommon for someone his age.
Thankfully, Steve’s cancer was in the early stages but still required a major surgery to remove the cancerous area along with a large portion of his oesophagus and some of his stomach, which was scheduled for just two weeks later.
He woke from the 11 hour operation to discover his wife Sophie had given birth to their newborn daughter Georgie just down the hallway in the maternity ward of University Hospital.
“The nurses from the maternity ward arranged for Sophie and Georgie to visit me in ICU at about 11.30pm and we were able to have a cuddle and photos,” says Steve. “Apparently having a newborn visit their dad in ICU was a hospital first.”
An infection and subsequent complications saw an expected two week hospital stay extend to two months followed by Barwon Health’s ‘Hospital in the Home’ service but now Steve is cancer free - back at work, exercising well, managing fatigue and changes to his eating.
“Most importantly I’m playing with Georgie and Emilia just like a normal dad,” he says.
Steve is under no illusions that the care he received at Barwon Health gave him that gift which is why this year, he has signed on as a Dry July ambassador and will go without alcohol for a month to raise funds for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.
“The fact that I could have major surgery, access to quality intensive care and the availability of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre just 10 minutes from home can’t be underestimated,” he says.
“I can’t think of anything more important than improving local care for those experiencing serious health issues and would encourage everyone to donate their time or money in any way they can.”
How can you support?
Donate to Steve's page and help him meet his fundraising goal.
Sign up at dryjuly.com and select Andrew Love Cancer Centre to ensure funds raised support your local health service.
