Stand up for Steven, Kick Bone Cancer!

Steven’s Story

Steven Dale, 21 years old, is our nephew based in Bacolod City, Philippines. Last 17 July 2018, he has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma, otherwise known as Bone Cancer, on his left leg (the mass is on the left tibial area).

He had been advised chemotherapy (“chemo”) prior to surgery. So far, he has received only 5 sessions. But due to a severe lack of financial capacity, he is unable to continue seeking medical help. (But much thanks and shout out to Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for the assistance that covered the initial chemo sessions!).

For months since his last chemo session, he has not been back in the hospital even for a check-up. He couldn't be properly examined and observed, so he also could not properly avail the other treatments and medication. He remains at home, merely relying on herbal medication and pain relievers. And each day gets worse. The pain on his left leg becomes more excruciating and unbearable that it feels like torture. His left leg keeps on swelling and continuously increases in size (please see the pictures), which indicates the aggressiveness of the cancer. (Not to mention, of course, the side effects of the chemo sessions he previously undertook. He has already lost a significant amount of weight and is becoming weaker each day.)

Because his previous treatment was stalled, he now needs to undergo more tests to determine the appropriate subsequent courses of action. But even these follow-up check-ups and tests are costly. Eventually, there could be more chemo sessions. Surgery is also possible. After all, the doctor suggested it before. We even wanted to fly Steven to Manila for surgery. (Bacolod is an hour and twenty-minute plane ride away from Manila). But all remain to be costly. We have been exerting all our efforts to provide Steven access to the necessary medical help, as detailed below. Yet we still fall short in meeting all the costs.

What is Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma?

According to cancer.org — “Osteosarcoma known as Bone Cancer, which can be incredibly extremely painful and fatal. A Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma is a high-grade kind and one of the fastest growing type of bone cancer. When seen with a microscope, they do not look like normal bone and have many cells in the process of dividing into new cells. Most osteosarcomas that occur in children and teens are high grade. It is most often found in young people (aged 10-30) but also can be exhibited in older people (aged 60-70.)”

More info on this can be found here:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/osteosarcoma/about.h...

Getting to know Steven more — On sailing the seas someday, basketball, and his family

Steven's life was no walk in the park, given his family’s impoverished life in Bacolod City, Philippines. He is the only boy in the family with 2 young sisters just almost his age. His father used to work as a delivery driver for a logistics company in Saudi Arabia.

Steven dreams to be a captain of a ship one day. Jeffrey, his dad, has been doing his best not only to make ends meet, but to put him through school. Steven took the course Bachelor’s of Science in Nautical Science. He was in fourth year already when he was diagnosed. His dad had to make him quit school last year. This devastated Steven. Whenever Steven sees images of ships or naval vessels, he couldn't help but cry since his dream of becoming a sea captain is sailing farther away from his reach. This breaks our heart. Steven, as young and promising as he is, is suffering from an awful chronic illness and is very much in physical and mental pain. Steven also loves watching and playing basketball, and playing computer games. Basketball is his passion, which couldn't even play anymore.

Jeffrey also had to terminate his contract in Saudi Arabia to go back to the Philippines to be able to take care of Steven. His savings have been depleted, and his parents couldn't afford cover all the expenses of treatment. (We have also approached individuals and institutions. No matter the extent, we are so grateful for all their help!)

The pain needs to stop! It is too much. No child, no person, deserves this kind of suffering.

Healthcare is a right, and no one should be too poor to receive treatment for whatever disease or illness. Hence, this is the best way is for us — family, friends, concerned and thoughtful beings — to gather and help save a life while we still can.

Goals and plans

As we talk to him, Steven is determined to fight for his life. And with your prayers, moral and financial support, Steven may still make it. So let's all help Steven fight to live.

As of 14 February 2019, the most immediate concern now is the need to get tested again to check if his leg can still be saved by chemo. His attending doctor ordered urgent tests — MRI (w/contrast), X-rays and CT Scan to determine the best course of action for his treatment.

With your donation, he can get the testing covered, hospitalization, medications, and therapies his condition may require.

We hope that he will have access to all these early as possible, so he may immediately receive the necessary treatments and procedures (We also want to save Steven's leg. We are hoping the treatments and procedures are enough, so that he will not need to undergo amputation anymore.) Nonetheless, kindly pray for him to be free from the pain and torture. May he soon live life the way he deserves it. Although his body is suffering, Steven continues to be such a strong-willed boy who refuses to give up on himself and has been so positive in dealing with and fighting against bone cancer.

Any help he can get is significant. Please feel free to donate any amount you can. Amounts of $10, $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000, lower or higher, everything is appreciated! any amount will help Steven get the tests and treatment he needs. The more this post reaches as many people as possible, the better and the sooner we can get Steven treated! We hope to reach a minimum of 1,000 people.

Thank you so much for being here in helping save Steven and for giving him a chance. Thank you for including him in your prayers! And we are deeply thanking you for taking your time to read and being a remarkable part of Steven's story!