about

  On January 4th, 2021, I was admitted to the University of Utah Medical Center with necrotizing pancreatitis—a severe condition where inflammation causes parts of the pancreas to die. That dead tissue became infected, and things quickly turned critical. I don’t remember much of the first 28 days. I was in a coma. The doctors didn’t think I’d make it through the first night. I was told later that when I finally woke up, my admitting physician greeted me with, “Welcome back—do you know who I am?” I replied, “Should I?” From that point on, my life changed. I spent four months in the hospital, followed by three months in a skilled nursing facility, learning how to walk and talk. I went home with three biliary tubes still attached, returning to the hospital every 6–8 weeks for exchanges until they were eventually replaced with internal stents. 

DOCTORS NOTES: 1-4-2021 

 Steven Burgess is brought to the operating room on mechanical ventilation from the surgical intensive care unit.  General anesthesia is a conduced through the existing endotracheal tube.  Timeout was taken to verify patient, position, procedure, allergies, and perioperative antibiotics.  His anterior neck was prepped and draped in a sterile fashion.  A midline incision is made with #15 blade centered on the cricoid cartilage and is carried deeply with electrocautery.  Dissection is carried through the midline raphe of the cervical strap muscles until we are able to identify the thyroid isthmus anterior to the trachea.  The isthmus is mobilized off the anterior surface of the trachea and then divided with electrocautery to expose the anterior surface of the trachea.  Space between the second and third cartilaginous ring is identified and incised with a #15 blade and then dilated up with a tracheal spreader.  The existing endotracheal tube is withdrawn until its tip is just cephalad to the tracheotomy and then an 8 DCT tracheostomy tube was placed into the trachea.  Placement is confirmed with chest rise, capnography, and increase in his oxygen saturations.  Tracheostomy tube is secured in placed with 2-0 nylon sutures in the midline.  The site is dressed with a gauze dressing and secured with a padded tracheal strap.  He tolerated the surgery well and was able to be transported back to the surgical intensive care unit in critical condition on mechanical ventilation. 

My Doctors at University of Utah Medical Center Kept Me Alive

Enter: Cholangiocarcinoma

On February 11th, 2025, I received another life-altering diagnosis: Stage IV Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer). Strangely, I wasn’t surprised. Maybe it was the dark place my mind went during those days in the coma. Maybe it was God preparing me in ways I couldn’t understand at the time. Life doesn’t always give warnings. It gives moments—some devastating, others divine. And this moment, this diagnosis, is now part of my story. But it’s not the whole story.  

Why Victory Thru Faith?

Because this journey isn’t just about disease—it's about faith, resilience, and the unshakable hope that carries me forward. I’ve never claimed to be perfect. I’ve strayed, wandered, and lived in ways I know didn’t please God. But even then, He never left me. In my darkest seasons, He found a way to remind me of His presence—sometimes just for a moment, but always enough. I consider myself spiritual, not religious. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what sustains me now. Whatever comes, I know I’m not alone.  

Where This All Began

After my diagnosis, I went searching online—looking for real, honest stories from people battling Cholangiocarcinoma. I found some. But not enough. Especially not stories told from the trenches—while still in the fight. That’s when I knew: I had to share my own. What began as a blog has become something bigger—a platform of purpose:
👉https://victorythrufaith.org

The Mission

"To raise awareness and advance research by empowering Cholangiocarcinoma patients to contribute during and after treatment. Inspired by Isaiah 40:31, Victory Thru Faith helps others rise above life’s challenges with renewed strength, hope, and faith in God. We are committed to being a source of light and encouragement for those navigating illness, pain, or uncertainty—trusting in God's power to bring healing and purpose."  

What You’ll Find Here

Victory Thru Faith will be a space of raw honesty, faith, and hope

a place where the journey is shared, not sugar-coated. Here’s what I’ll be posting:

• Treatment Updates – The ups, the downs, and everything in between.
• Reflections on Faith – How my walk with God strengthens me through it all.
• Day-to-Day Realities – What it's really like to live with cancer.
• Moments of Gratitude – Because even in pain, there’s beauty.  

Walking This Road Together

I won’t pretend to have all the answers. I’m still learning, still processing, still fighting. But one thing I know for sure—we weren’t made to walk through our hardest battles alone. Whether you're a fellow patient, a caregiver, a survivor, or someone looking for encouragement, I invite you to join me. Let’s walk this together. No matter what lies ahead, we choose to Fight with Faith. Thank you for being here. I’m grateful to share this journey with you.

— Steve Burgess, CPSS —