Stephen Rouse -The cancer ain't gonna fight itself

Stephen leaves a trail of awesome everywhere he goes and makes buddies with everyone he meets. Friends, family and fans of the great Stephen Rouse, the time has come, we need your help now. His cancer specialists’ treatment plan has a clear objective: to balance quality of life while fighting glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with no cure. The treatment isn’t covered by his medical insurance, government, or charitable organizations. The cost is $9,000 for every 6 weeks treatment cycle. We are looking to raise $27,000. This will provide Stephen with an anti-body drip treatment called Zirabev (a biosimilar to Avastin). The purpose of this amazing medication is to block the blood supply that feeds the tumours (starving the friggin tumours). That treatment, combined with oral chemo, will offer him the gift of time. Time to spend enriching our lives with his fall-off-your-chair storytelling. Stephen leaves an impression with his kindness, respectfulness and wit. A simple conversation with Stephen will lift you up for days. There’s an actual saying, and yes, it’s about him: “The world needs more Stephen.”

On March 31st, 2022, at the end of a workday at Public Works department with the City of Dieppe, Stephen collapsed and had seizures in the parking lot. After being stabilized and scanned, it was discovered that he had brain tumours and swelling. Stephen was placed in an induced coma, ventilated, and had brain surgery. After 7 days of fighting for his life, he was awakened, and the nurse asked him if he recognized the person in front of him. He reached out to his girlfriend of 23 years, Renée, touched her face and said: “Baby.” This was huge! It meant Stephen was still with us. He has since received a 2nd surgery to remove as many tumours as possible, gone through radiation, and taken chemo. He blows everyone away with his strength, but it’s not without sacrifice. Unable to work alongside his friends, host a party at Rouse’s bar, or lead his band Age of Tyranny at the jam house, Stephen taps into his creative spirit to focus on the positive. He says he faces an avalanche every day when he wakes up, yet he walks towards it, beating a path. Let’s band together and widen his path.

The plan is to start the antibody drip combined with his chemo Tuesday, February 14th. He will receive this treatment every 2 weeks. In 2 months, he will get an MRI to see how he responds. Let’s show Stephen some love and provide him and his spouse Renée Rouse, with peace of mind knowing the treatment is covered for the next 18 weeks. This will allow them to focus on fighting cancer, not the financial burden. They will appreciate every moment of every day, in the comfort of their home, with their 3 kitties. Their home is the one Stephen and his sister Lisa grew up in. It's also where their father Terry Rouse, former chief of police for the City of Dieppe fought cancer and lost.

We are most grateful to you, for your vibes, prayers, care bear stares and generous donations, the gift of life.

Thank you.

The sisters, Lisa Rouse and Véronique Manuel