Stephen and Amy's Healing Journey

Stephen and Amy Stern are both believers that life brings beauty, however, it also brings challenges that can alter life in unexpected and dramatic ways. They were both recently diagnosed with complex cancers. They are shocked to have been ‘hit’ so hard with such serious conditions — at the same time!

Stephen's illness forced him into an early and abrupt retirement from being a chiropractor. Prior to his diagnosis, he lived a very active life - from exercising daily to hiking mountains. Professionally and personally, huge parts of his identity were taken away. People who know Stephen, understand he is unaccustomed to asking for help.

In April after playing a guitar gig, Stephen experienced excruciating pain in his back. Doctors found a compression fracture in the spine, which was the result of a rare sub-type of Multiple Myeloma, a cancer in the blood marrow of the bones. The cancer has spread throughout his spine and ribs. For two months just about any movement caused acute pain.

While Stephen was grappling with the effects of beginning treatment (even landing him in the ICU 2 times), Amy was diagnosed with cancer in her liver — Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. This was a shock as Amy already survived Pancreatic Cancer in 2012.

As Stephen continues chemotherapy, Amy begins chemotherapy on August 22— which will be followed by radiation and possibly surgery. The couple are patient and caregiver for one another. Amy and Stephen are incredibly positive people, but dealing with these illnesses together has truly blown them away. They are unsure how their future will unfold. They are taking one day at a time, while focusing on what needs to be done with a hopeful and healing mindset.

Stephen and Amy have brought joy to many people through their chiropractic practice and their loving ways.

Now it's OUR time to support and lift them up!