Life has thrown Steve Stutzman some major curveballs. After surviving a small plane crash in 2012, he opened Stutzman Leather Shoppe in the NOTO District. He utilized a decade of experience managing the former Hillmer’s Luggage, Leather & Gifts to sell leather goods in partnership with his wife, Rachel.
The latest curveball came in late July when Steve was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. One of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to treat, the couple were told chemotherapy and surgery would only give him a 10-percent chance of surviving beyond a year.
“It's a really difficult thing to think about going with the traditional treatments of chemotherapy and surgery in this situation,” Steve says. “You only have a short time, probably anyway. Then you’re not feeling good on top of it, and you can’t make the most of the time you do have. Rachel and I have a faith and a trust that goes beyond just this life, so we’re not anxious or afraid. But we still want to do what we can to fight it as much as we can.”
They decided to pursue holistic treatment at the Hope4Cancer center in Mexico. However, this choice means Stutzman’s Leather will close at the end of October. This will give them the time to concentrate on fighting the disease and, by liquidating the inventory, provide the funds with which to do it.
“We don’t need the distraction of the store right now,” Steve explains. “So, we’ve made the decision to close the shop, liquidate the inventory, and use that money for expenses.”
The couple researched the Mexico clinic and spoke with pancreatic cancer survivors who followed this same path. They believe Steve has a better chance of survival with the holistic approach. Since insurance will not cover treatment costs, their daughter started a GoFundMe page to help cover the more than $42,000 out of pocket starting cost. https://gofund.me/61652f77
“I’m for it,” Rachel says. She and Steve have been married for 41 years, with 7 children and 23 grandchildren. “It’s a little much to take in, but I’ve found the Lord to be faithful in my life in so many different ways. He’s never let me down yet. Just because it looks like a negative or a bad thing, life is full of challenges and trials. I know, however this turns out, the Lord is faithful, and He’ll take care of us.”
Steve adds, “This is an unexpected thing. We weren’t planning on it. But at the same time, we’re not anxious or afraid. We’re just taking each day that we get and doing what we can with it. We’re going to be grateful for every day that we have.”
