^{Support Page Update}

How it started... where we are now July 30, 2026

In support of
Trent Stempek family

At the end of April I went with Trent to a Dr's appointment because he was always tired, feeling crummy and had excruciating stomach and back pain since mid-January and I wanted to make sure he didn't "sugar coat" anything. I was extremely worried but really thought it was an ulcer or something similar that needed to be treated. A week or so later we found there were "innumerable" irregular masses in the liver highly suspicious for metastatic disease. Shortly later it was confirmed that it was cancer that originated in the junction where the esophagus & stomach meet, moved through the lymphatic system (so in lymph nodes) and took over his liver.

This thing is aggressive, but we are waging war on it with a lot of non-traditional things along with some traditional. Last week he did start a HER2 targeted treatment. *HER2-targeted infusions are the standard of care for early-stage and advanced HER2-positive breast and stomach cancers. They work by binding to the HER2 receptors on the cancer cells to stop them from growing, while also signaling the immune system to destroy the malignant cells. In addition to this he is fighting w/holistic remedies that help fight the cancer and work to keep his Mitochondria (which are the powerhouses in our cells) as healthy as possible so they can fight the cancer when it tries to invade. He tries to eat clean with no sugar (when he eats) though it is hard to swallow because of where the original tumors are located, so a feeding tube was placed recently. This way he is able to get the nutrients his body needs to live & fight. Besides taking supplements, he uses a hyperbaric chamber, frequencies, high dose vitamin C IV's and waiting for other recommendations from Dr. Masik once his office opens in Fl.
I'll try to get into more specifics soon but many were wondering what Trent's diagnosis was so wanted to share.

Our faith keeps us sane through this time – devotions, gospels and readings come to life reminding us not to worry, to trust and to give it to God. Not to say we are perfect at this, because it is really tough, but he’s surrounded us with the most amazing support system like those of you reading this. We appreciate all the help people have given/offered and feel all the thoughts, prayers and hugs - they are most definitely needed and appreciated, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Shelley Stempek
3 months ago

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Comments

Mindy Kobus 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing what your family has been faced with. I've been praying for Trent and family since I read a post a short time ago with very minimal info. I continue to pray for strength, healing, and faith for you all as you endure this challenge!! Trent, you got this!! ❤️

Denise Czapla 3 months ago

🙏 are with you guys God Bless 🙌

Diane Slusarski 3 months ago

I am praying for Trent and you , his family every day! 🙏💐

Rachel Nick 3 months ago

Praying for you Trent, Shelly and family. ❤️

Andrew Schumacher 3 months ago

This is heartbreaking, but I know him good enough that he’s an incredibly strong, positive guy and if anyone can beat it, he absolutely can. Trent and your family will be at the very top of my prayer list, for him to heal and to help you and the kids cope, stay strong and positive. If there’s anything at all myself and fam can do to help, do not hesitate to ask. Love you guys!

Joe Boruch 3 months ago

You are in my prayers.

Sharon Campbell 3 months ago

Prayers for heeling.sending hugs and ❤️

Kara DeJonge 3 months ago

You are absolutely in my prayers. If you need anything just ask. We love you.

Jayden McKay 3 months ago

Praying for ya Trent!!

Julie Patterson 3 months ago

My heart hurts for you guys! CANCER sucks!! Prayers are very powerful and I believe that is why I’m still on this earth. If I can help in any way please reach out and of course I’m praying!!!

Cindy Petersen 3 months ago

Always praying 🙏🏻 Love you all ❤️

Mike-Sheila Hoadley 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing. Trent has been in our hearts and prayers. 🙏

Sharon Jarosz 3 months ago

There are just certain people you meet in life that pull on your heart strings and Trent is that one person. I spend most of my days just praying to God not only for Trent, but also Mark Sliva and my Kelsey. If God leads us to this time, I know He will help us through it. Stay strong and never give up and I will always keep praying for you and your families.

Amy Jenny 3 months ago

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! May God surround you all with faith and love during this time and in the days ahead! 🙏🏻❤️

Kristine Staroscik 3 months ago

My dad and I are saying prayers everyday for you Trent!

Rosemary Parriott 3 months ago

Hugs and prayers Trent and family.

Kenton 3 months ago

I am praying every day for you Trent! I believe the lord will heal you! Keep strong and fight like you did for as kids! Love you buddy!

Kenton 3 months ago

I am praying every day for you Trent! I believe the lord will heal you! Keep strong and fight like you did for as kids! Love you buddy!

Eric Shemek 3 months ago

Many Prayers Trent keep up the Fight. Our thoughts are with you and family.

Corinne Shemek 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing with us. Rick and I will keep you all in our prayers. But will say extra prayers for Trent!!! Keep your chin up, Bufford!!

Dawn and Walker Dawn and Walker Pensick 3 months ago

Trent and Shelley and all the family, I am sending prayers and love.

Lisa Skinner 3 months ago

Gracious God, I come to you today to lift Trent in prayer as he prepares for a battle against cancer. Please wrap him in your loving arms. Give his doctors and medical team steady hands and sharp minds to choose the right treatments. Grant his body strength to heal and take away his fear and pain. Lord, I also ask you for daily grace for Shelley. I pray that she finds quite moments of rest when life feels too heavy. I pray that the whole family is constantly surrounded by helpful people that will lift you all up. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Stacey Schefus 3 months ago

Many prayers for Trent and his family. Trent is a fighter and a great guy.

Shelley Marsh 3 months ago

Todd and I are sending our love and prayers for tge best outcome. We will continue to send our love your way.

Mick Dush 3 months ago

Stay Strong Trent ! Stand in your power my good friend. Alot of prayers coming your direction. You have a massive following for good reason. You are one of the best i know & will ever know in my lifetime love ya Trent ❤️

Julie Helms 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing. Know you all have been, and will continue to be, in our prayers. Much love to you all! 🙏❤️🙏❤️

Casey Borer 3 months ago

Prayers for Trent and your family, Shelley!

Jaimi Calfee 3 months ago

Sending loads of love, prayers and good vibes to you and yours…. I can only imagine the emotions you all are feeling as you continue this journey. You guys have been in our prayers daily and we will continue to pray for you all🙏🩵❤️

Peg Slagle 3 months ago

Wow. Thinking & praying for you, Trent and your family, Keep that wonderful faith!! God is with you and will comfort & guide you through this journey. Hugs!

Connie Kresha 3 months ago

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I know that Trent can fight this.

Bill Hancock 3 months ago

Trent, Shelley and family, praying for you to continue the battle and allow the Lord to guide you through this season. We were floored to see this and pray you embrace the challenges with the help of God.

Donette Vis 3 months ago

I am praying for you Trent! You have a great treatment regimen going! Keep positive! With God’s help you can overcome this!! If there is anything I could help you or Shelley with, please don’t hesitate to ask! 🙏

Michelle Ainsworth 3 months ago

I’m just seeing this about Trent. Oh how my heart breaks for him and your family. Ive known Trent since high school! I will Be keeping him and the family in my Prayers everyday. UNMC is the best place he could be! Sending hugs and prayers.

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