As most of you are aware, Kel and Case lost their mum and Stevey lost his wife in 1996 to cancer. After a 7 month battle in hospital, Del grew her wings and flew high. Through the midst of the grief and heartache Stevey raised Kellie and Casey. This was not easy, but my god did he do a magnificent job.
Unfortunately in the first week of January this year, Stevey felt a pain in his groin that was uncomfortable. A lump formed and continued to grow despite having ultra sounds where he was told nothing was abnormal. Fast forward to the 25th of February, a PET scan revealed Stevey had Stage 4 Diffuse Beta Cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A very aggressive form of cancer. The significantly large lump had taken over his upper leg and was only one of many spots the cancer had aggressively formed and spread.
As you can imagine, this recent diagnosis turned his and the girls world upside down, resulting in past trauma now interwoven in the present. With these unforeseen circumstances, it has been an incredibly frightening and exhausting number of months for them filled with financial, physical and emotional strain. This type of illness brings so many multifaceted challenges and curve balls along the way.
Stevey and Casey have relocated from near Port Macquarie for his chemotherapy and immunotherapy and the girls are staying with him in temporary accomodation in Sydney for the duration of his treatments as his full time support. Understandably, this comes at a large cost alongside hospital consults, ongoing specialist appointments and medication costs.
I have taken it an upon myself to support Stevey, Kel and Case and create a fundraiser to aid them as they continue their journey into the unknown. While the treatment is currently doing what it needs to do, the road beyond this current treatment cycle is still uncertain. For those of you who know this beautiful family, will know that grief extends beyond their beautiful mother and father. Despite the immense challenges of loss, the size of their hearts and the kind of joyful way in which they pour into those lucky enough to be in their presence never wavers. In fact it continues to grow.
Right now, more than ever, this family could use the love they give to others shone back to them. If you could please support them in doing so, whatever that may look like for you. It may look like forgoing a morning coffee, donating $10, it may also look like reaching out to them directly to send well wishes or making them a meal. Whatever feels right for you, it is welcomed with open hearts and complete appreciation.
Thank you so much for your generosity and support.
