Father of two fighting for his family

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Author: Maddisyn Jeffares
• Publication title: Hastings Leader, The

However, a routine MRI over Easter weekend this year revealed the bowel cancer had spread through his blood to the liver, and Chapman now had a stage 4 diagnosis with the odds of survival being 1 in 3

While the expected emotions of devastation and sadness were all present when Chapman heard his cancer was back and worse, he said he was also very determined to do everything he could, and that was what he was now focused on.

Chapman’s sister-in-law Kyla Euston-Stewart said he was “one of the best humans you will ever meet; he is the first and last on the dance floor, always filling the room with laughter, and is the most incredible dad to 1-year-old Cameron and 3-year-old Rufus”.

The Central Hawke’s Bay man said he was determined to fight to be there for his partner, Samantha Scott, and his young family.

Chapman has begun three months of chemotherapy, which will be followed by surgery to remove three-quarters of his liver and then more chemotherapy.

To receive these treatments, Chapman and Scott must frequently travel to Wellington, Hastings, and Auckland from their home in Waipukurau.

All the travel and treatments will mean he will be off work often, which he only just returned to following his first thought-to-be-successful surgery in December.

Specialists have also urged Chapman to receive additional medications that are unfunded and will cost more than $50,000, which the young family of four said it was not possible to do alone.

Already working two jobs to pay their mortgage, bills, and now cancer treatment costs, Scott said she would do anything to support her partner and be by his side while also raising their two young children.

Chapman’s family and friends have set up a Givealittle page to help with the extra treatment costs and travel expenses, allowing the dad of two to enjoy as much...