"We don't get to choose whether we get sick, but I hope my experience of fighting this disease positively can encourage my students never to give up." These are the words of 40-year-old Teacher Fox (Mr. Chan), a physical education instructor at Ko Lui Secondary School. His health began deteriorating late last year, culminating in a sudden collapse while leading a student team in a competition. Initially diagnosed with Crohn's disease, he underwent treatment, hoping to return home and to the classroom. However, he was recently dealt a devastating blow: a diagnosis of Stage 4 adenocarcinoma with metastasis, leading to a 55-pound weight loss. Faced with this relentless assault, Mr. Chan admits to moments of hopelessness but has chosen to remain optimistic, using his own journey to teach his students resilience. His dearest wish is to recover and once again hold his 9-month-old son in his arms.
Mr. Chan became a first-time father last May. Looking back over the past few months, his health has been on a terrifying rollercoaster. In an interview with Sing Tao Headline, he revealed that his symptoms began around August or September last year with nausea after eating. A gastroscopy at a private hospital revealed gastritis and an H. pylori infection, for which he was prescribed antibiotics.
In November, while leading a team in a competition, he suddenly felt unwell and rushed to the bathroom, vomiting dark red liquid (later identified as blood clots). Initially dismissing it as excitement from the match, he continued his duties, only to collapse at home that night. He was rushed to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for emergency surgery to treat acute bleeding from a gastric ulcer.
Discharged after a few days, he was readmitted just one day later due to a rapid heart rate. Further tests revealed a blocked ureter causing hydronephrosis (kidney swelling), leading to endoscopic stent surgery in December—though the underlying cause remained a mystery. In January, a private hospital prescribed stronger medication for his stomach, but it triggered severe abdominal pain and another intestinal blockage. Suspecting Crohn's disease, the private doctor urged immediate hospitalization.
Despite his athlete's spirit, the reality hit hard when he returned home to pack. "Looking at my son, just a few months old, I couldn't help but cry," Mr. Chan recalled. "I told him, 'Dad's going to the hospital to fight a battle now.'"
Admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital, numerous tests still showed no cancer cells, and doctors there also initially diagnosed Crohn's disease. He began self-funded treatment with biologics. "The plan was to inject four vials initially (about $500 each), then two more two weeks later, followed by monthly injections," he explained. "But after the first two rounds, there was absolutely no effect." Referred to surgery, another blockage was discovered.
In the early hours of February 27th, he underwent emergency open surgery to remove inflamed tissue connecting the small and large intestine. The surgery itself was successful. Thinking he'd finally caught a break, the subsequent biopsy results delivered a hammer blow: Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, already metastasized. Doctors described the case as rare, noting that despite multiple previous tests, the cancer, likely originating in the stomach, had evaded detection.
Since his initial Crohn's diagnosis, Mr. Chan had been sharing his journey on social media. When news of his cancer spread, students and alumni mobilized, running and creating videos to send him encouragement and strength, hoping for his swift return.
Mr. Chan admits he was devastated by the terminal diagnosis but, after calming down, chose to persevere. "We don't choose our illnesses. I hope I can use my life to influence others—that's why I became a teacher. Though it's hard to accept, I want my fight to encourage my students not to give up easily when facing difficulties, and to encourage everyone going through tough times to hang in there together."
Unfortunately, Mr. Chan's illness manifested less than a year after he purchased medical insurance. His claims since October are still under investigation and have not been approved. Facing long waiting times in the public system, his wife launched a private fundraising appeal on her personal page yesterday. The goal is to seek immediate treatment from private specialists to combat the cancer and allow him to recover, be there for his young son, and manage the family's daily living expenses, including housing and childcare.
Mr. Chan has been referred to Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. His hopes are simple yet profound: to conquer the disease, return home, and finally embrace his son. "During Chinese New Year, I applied for a short home visit. I saw my son, but I didn't dare hold him. It's been so long since I last held him!" He dreams of returning to the school campus, continuing to "use life to influence life," and leading his students in sports competitions once more. He is deeply grateful for his family's support, especially his wife, who tirelessly cares for their newborn and him. His ultimate goal: to beat this and be the good father and husband he aspires to be.
