In early 2024, Zack Van Aarde, a 41-year-old dad of two, went to his GP complaining of persistent heartburn and indigestion. He was prescribed acid reflux medication—after all, acid reflux means stomach acid rising into the esophagus, and many people experience it without serious harm. (See more on acid reflux from the Cleveland Clinic).
But Zack’s case wasn’t so simple. By July 2025, he collapsed on the stairs and started vomiting blood. Alarmed, his wife Jess rushed to help, and they called an ambulance. The amount of blood lost made it hard for him to stand or sit up.
At Derriford Hospital in Plymouth (UK), doctors first suspected a stomach ulcer. Yet further tests—including an endoscopy (a camera down the throat)—revealed devastating news: stage 4 oesophagus cancer, centered on a 6 cm tumour. UNILAD+2Yahoo News+2
A life turned upside down
Zack, who works in cybersecurity, says the diagnosis was a gut punch. “It’s been a rollercoaster,” he told reporters. “I always kept myself fit and healthy as a dad. It came as a massive shock.” The Sun+1
Zack was told he has cancer (SWNS)
Jess recalls the terrifying early morning collapse. “I woke up around 5 a.m. and heard heavy breathing. When I got to him, he was on the floor and had vomited blood.” She said they tried not to scare their children as they got help. UNILAD+1
Treatment, hope & alternative therapies
Zack has started chemotherapy, with treatments every two weeks. Doctors will monitor the tumour and blood markers, hoping it shrinks enough to make surgery an option. UNILAD+1
Meanwhile, Zack and Jess have launched a GoFundMe to support their family while he’s unable to work and help cover additional therapies not currently available via the NHS. UNILAD+1
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Zack says he’s exploring therapies to support his body:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (boosting oxygen levels)
- IV vitamin C drips, aiming to strengthen immune response
- Red light therapy
He notes that “chemotherapy kills all cells—good and bad,” so he wants supportive measures where possible. Still, doctors strongly advise that cancer patients consult trusted medical professionals before trying alternative or adjunct treatments. UNILAD+1
Zack has began chemotherapy (SWNS)
In a personal challenge, Zack pledged to run one mile for every £10 raised via GoFundMe to keep active and motivated. The Sun+1
Key takeaways & advice
- Persistent reflux symptoms deserve attention. Occasional heartburn is common—but if symptoms worsen, persist, or include alarming signs (like vomiting blood), push for further testing such as endoscopy.
- Early detection helps. Oesophageal cancer is more treatable at earlier stages.
- Complementary therapies can support—but don’t replace—medical care. Always run them by your oncologist or specialist.
- Emotional & financial support matter. Facing cancer is challenging physically, mentally, and financially; community help can be a lifeline.
Zack’s story reminds us that sometimes what seems like a simple digestive issue may hide a more serious condition. His fight continues—armed with medical care, hope, and a family united behind him.
