An Invitation to Walk This Journey with Me
On January 4th, 2021, I was admitted to the University of
Utah Medical Center with necrotizing pancreatitis—a severe condition where
inflammation causes parts of the pancreas to die. That dead tissue became
infected, and things quickly turned critical.
I don’t remember much of the first 28 days. I was in a coma.
The doctors didn’t think I’d make it through the first night. I was told later
that when I finally woke up, my admitting physician greeted me with, “Welcome
back—do you know who I am?” I replied, “Should I?”
From that point on, my life changed.
I spent four months in the hospital, followed by three
months in a skilled nursing facility, learning how to walk and talk. I went
home with three biliary tubes still attached, returning to the hospital every
6–8 weeks for exchanges until they were eventually replaced with internal
stents.
Enter: Cholangiocarcinoma
On February 11th, 2025, I received another life-altering
diagnosis: Stage IV Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer). Strangely, I wasn’t
surprised. Maybe it was the dark place my mind went during those days in the
coma. Maybe it was God preparing me in ways I couldn’t understand at the time.
Life doesn’t always give warnings. It gives moments—some
devastating, others divine. And this moment, this diagnosis, is now part of my
story. But it’s not the whole story.
Why Victory Thru Faith?
Because this journey isn’t just about disease—it's about faith,
resilience, and the unshakable hope that carries me forward.
I’ve never claimed to be perfect. I’ve strayed, wandered,
and lived in ways I know didn’t please God. But even then, He never left me. In
my darkest seasons, He found a way to remind me of His presence—sometimes just
for a moment, but always enough.
I consider myself spiritual, not religious. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what sustains me now. Whatever comes, I know I’m not alone.
Where This All Began
After my diagnosis, I went searching online—looking for
real, honest stories from people battling Cholangiocarcinoma. I found some. But
not enough. Especially not stories told from the trenches—while still in the
fight.
That’s when I knew: I had to share my own.
What began as a blog has become something bigger—a platform
of purpose:
👉
www.victorythrufaith.org
The Mission
"To raise awareness and advance research by empowering
Cholangiocarcinoma patients to contribute during and after treatment.
Inspired by Isaiah 40:31, Victory Thru Faith helps others rise above life’s
challenges with renewed strength, hope, and faith in God. We are committed to
being a source of light and encouragement for those navigating illness, pain,
or uncertainty—trusting in God's power to bring healing and purpose."
What You’ll Find Here
This blog will be a space of raw honesty, faith, and hope—a
place where the journey is shared, not sugar-coated. Here’s what I’ll be
posting:
- Treatment
Updates – The ups, the downs, and everything in between.
- Reflections
on Faith – How my walk with God strengthens me through it all.
- Day-to-Day
Realities – What it's really like to live with cancer.
- Moments
of Gratitude – Because even in pain, there’s beauty.
Walking This Road Together
I won’t pretend to have all the answers. I’m still learning,
still processing, still fighting. But one thing I know for sure—we weren’t made
to walk through our hardest battles alone.
Whether you're a fellow patient, a caregiver, a survivor, or
someone looking for encouragement, I invite you to join me. Let’s walk this
together.
No matter what lies ahead, we choose to Fight with Faith.
Thank you for being here. I’m pleased to share this journey
with you.
— Steve
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