Kylie and Chris Shaw with their children on their last family holiday.
Camera IconKylie and Chris Shaw with their children on their last family holiday. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Team Australia Walk for No Stomach for Cancer a Shaw thing this Sunday

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

IT took just 14 months for an aggressive form of stomach cancer to take the life of 45-year-old Chris Shaw.

Now his family and friends, as the Shawry Strong Army, are calling on people to join them for the Team Australia Walk this Sunday to raise research funds for No Stomach for Cancer.

The Currambine husband and father-of-four was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in June 2017.

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He endured seven aggressive rounds of chemotherapy before having his entire stomach and 4cm of his oesophagus removed in October 2017, just one day after his 45th birthday.

Six weeks later he started four-and-a-half weeks of intensive radiation while continuing a milder dose of chemotherapy.

In February, scans showed he was in remission with no cancer detected. But in April, he suffered a twisted bowel and triple internal hernia with another operation.

However scans still showed no cancer.

Then during their first family holiday in more than six years, Mr Shaw took a turn for the worth with flu-like symptoms.

He was found to have a serious blood disorder (disseminated intravascular coagulation) and the cancer has returned and spread to his bones.

Mr Shaw was given between three days to one week to live.

“It was the most heartbreaking experience of our lives,” wife Kylie Shaw said.

“Chris outlived their original diagnosis from having at least 25 blood transfusions and four weeks later he decided it was time to head home.”

On August 15, he was transported home via his favourite Burns Beach and on August 31, he lost his battle.

Kylie and Chris Shaw at Burns Beach.
Camera IconKylie and Chris Shaw at Burns Beach. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“About 2000 people in Australia are diagnosed with stomach cancer every year and 70 per cent are men,” Mrs Shaw said.

“There are few warning symptoms and diagnosis often comes too late.

“As usual, smoking, alcohol and a diet low in vegetables are key factors, however genetics also play a role, which means younger people are affected too.”

The Team Australia Walk will be held at Kings Park, meeting at the Anzac Memorial for an 11am start.

To register or donate, go to www.mycause.com.au/events/teamaustralianostomachforcancerwalk.