In an inspiring display of resilience, local man Keon Stevenson, who defied the odds after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, completed the Marlo Triathlon last Saturday and raised nearly $7000 for the Pancare Foundation.
The charity is dedicated to inspiring hope, raising awareness, supporting families and funding research for upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
Keon has shown remarkable courage since his diagnosis in March 2020 at just the age of 39.
After months of vague symptoms and misdiagnoses, a severe episode of abdominal pain finally prompted his doctor to order a CT scan.
The scan revealed a tumour the size of a plum on the head of his pancreas, along with secondary lesions on his liver.
The grim news that only 10.7 per cent of pancreatic cancer patients survive for five years left Keon with little hope.
His doctors advised him to go home and make the most of whatever time remained, but Keon sought a second opinion and embarked on a tough course of chemotherapy.
Despite the challenging treatment, Keon’s resolve remained unshaken.
He completed his first triathlon at Murray Bridge in 2020 following the intense chemotherapy treatment, raising an astounding $21,000 for Pancare.
Now, Keon has once again taken to the challenge of a triathlon, this time at the Marlo Triathlon – a race that was close to home, both geographically and emotionally.
“I’ve always wanted to do it (the Marlo Triathlon) and everyone has been fantastic – the fundraising came from mainly friends and family and although I haven’t made as much, things are just a bit tighter now economically,” Keon said.
On Saturday afternoon in sweltering 37 degree heat he finished the main sprint event in 01:33:59, placing him 18th in the male 18+ category – just over his targeted goal, but he blamed waterlogged goggles as the cause for not hitting the mark.
Keon’s determination has been a guiding force throughout his journey, whether through the cancer battle or on the triathlon course.
Keon’s medical journey has been a challenging one.
Initially, aggressive Folfirinox chemotherapy showed promise, shrinking tumours and lowering cancer markers. He also found out that he carried the BRCA2 gene, a genetic abnormality linked to various cancers, which led to a trial of a targeted therapy drug with potential to extend his life.
While the initial tumour laid dormant on the pancreas head, in October 2021 he underwent Whipple surgery, a complex procedure which resulted in significant complications to follow that required 16 general anaesthetics over 20 months.
The Marlo Triathlon was just another step in Keon’s ongoing journey, and with the support of his community, he is proving that even the toughest battles can lead to incredible triumphs.
Fundraising for Pancare is still available through their website and details can be sought through contacting the Snowy River Mail office.
