Belle River Family Mobilizes Community Support Against Pancreatic Cancer

In Belle River, Ontario, a family is rallying community support to fund life-saving treatment for Roy Knight, a grandfather diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, often referred to as the 'king of cancers.' Six-year-old Landon Bevan and his brother Rhyen have taken the initiative to sell lemonade, with proceeds aimed at helping their grandfather afford an innovative procedure known as NanoKnife surgery, which is not widely available in Canada. This effort highlights both the personal impact of cancer and the broader issues surrounding pancreatic cancer treatment accessibility in Canada.

On a sweltering summer day, Landon Bevan was all smiles as he stood outside his home, handing out glasses of lemonade to neighbors and passersby. The young boy, along with his brother, crafted signs and set up a stand, inspired by their desire to aid their grandfather in securing necessary medical treatment. "We had to, like, pull up the tents and put the balloons on the side of the garage," Landon recounted. His ambitions even included selling toys or telling jokes for money, showcasing a spirited determination despite his young age.

Roy Knight, who began chemotherapy shortly after his diagnosis in February, spoke candidly about the toll the disease has taken on him. "Out of the two weeks, I only have four good days," he shared, illustrating the harsh realities faced by many cancer patients. Knight's daughter, Ashley Bevan, a nurse practitioner, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the dire need for more research and support for pancreatic cancer.

The Bevan family is advocating for increased research into pancreatic cancer treatment guidelines. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is projected to become the third most deadly form of cancer in Canada by 2024. "There really does need to be more research done on pancreatic cancer treatment guidelines," Ashley stated, underscoring the urgent need for advancements in medical protocols.

The family discovered NanoKnife surgery, a procedure that utilizes electrical pulses to target cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. However, this cutting-edge treatment is predominantly available for prostate cancer in Canada, sparking the family's campaign for its consideration in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer. "The public needs to ask for it," Ashley noted, reflecting on the barriers to accessing more advanced treatment options.

Knight's journey towards diagnosis involved numerous visits to emergency rooms due to persistent abdominal pain, but it wasn't until a biopsy was requested that the cancer was detected. "They assured us that it was not cancer. Then we got the call on his birthday that it was," Ashley recalled, emphasizing the importance of timely and thorough medical examinations.

As the family strives to raise the estimated $80,000 needed for the surgery, they have organized several fundraising activities, including Landon's lemonade stand and a GoFundMe campaign. Knight's surgery is tentatively scheduled for July 24th in Florida, contingent upon their ability to meet the financial demands. "You just want to go on as long as you can, and hopefully this NanoKnife helps to see the kids grow up," Knight expressed, poignantly capturing the hopes of many families affected by cancer.

The Bevan family's efforts not only highlight the personal challenges associated with cancer but also shine a light on the critical need for advancements in research and treatment options for pancreatic cancer. Their story serves as a call to action for both the community and healthcare policymakers to prioritize this often-overlooked area of cancer research.