Pepperdine Professor Survives Cancer, Supports Research

Steve Rouse, Pepperdine psychology professor, was celebrating his son’s first birthday when he finally got the call. Close friends came over to join the festivities, but he couldn’t help but feel distant. It had been weeks since he finally took his mother’s advice to have the marble sized lump near his collarbone checked out. Surrounded by friends and family, one thought turned in his mind. He had cancer.

Rouse was 34 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. The call he waited on from his doctor would determine whether his illness was treatable. Fortunately, it was. The following four months were a series of chemo treatments every other week.

“Part of my job involves working with a lot of statistics,” said Rouse. “Knowing how probability works I knew there was a possibility that I may not survive, but I knew if I kept up with treatments I had a good chance.”

Side effects worsened as months passed. He said it felt like he had a bad case of the flu for two months straight. After chemo were radiation treatments. The inside of his throat felt sun burnt so he wasn’t able to eat anything other than his favorite smoothies from Jamba Juice. He did lose his hair, but it never bothered him.

“It was a dark period for me,” he said. “But there always was a light at the end of the tunnel. I was very fortunate to be in a situation like that.” 

Rouse is now 46 and a cancer survivor. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma used to be fatal, but because of research breakthroughs it’s one of the more highly treatable forms of cancer. His experience has not only given him empathy for cancer patients, he has a growing desire for supporting cancer research. He and his family participate in Pepperdine’s annual Relay for Life events.

The American Cancer Society is hosting two events in Malibu next month. Bark For Life takes place at 10 a.m. on Aug. 4 at Legacy Park. The event “celebrates the care giving capacity of canine companions in the fight for cancer.” Owners and their dogs dressed in their best costumes can participate in a walk, contests and games. A $25 registration fee helps support the American Cancer Society. 

Lights of Hope, an inaugural cancer awareness event takes place Aug. 10 on Malibu Pier at 8 p.m. Decorated luminaria bags representing individuals who are currently battling cancer or who have lost their battle will line the pier. The lights on and surrounding the pier will be turned off so that the bags can shine to commemorate their lives.