Dad mistook symptoms as acid reflux before being given devastating diagnosis
Zack Van Aarde was initially prescribed medication for acid reflux
Callum Jones
Doctors dismissed a father-of-two's symptoms as acid reflux after he began experiencing heartburn and indigestion in early 2024.
Zack Van Aarde, 41, booked an appointment with his GP back then, and he was prescribed medication for acid reflux.
Acid reflux means 'stomach acid is rising into your esophagus', according to Cleveland Clinic. And while not serious, it can cause heartburn.
However, in Zack's case, he quickly came to the realization that his symptoms were more sinister after he collapsed on the stairs and began vomiting blood in July 2025.
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After Jess, Zack's wife, was awoken by the commotion, the dad was rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, UK, for further tests.
While healthcare professionals initially suspected a stomach ulcer, further tests provided more devastating answers.
Following an endoscopy – a procedure involving a camera down the throat – doctors diagnosed Zack with stage four oesophagus cancer.
Zack, an account executive at a cyber security firm, said: "It's been a rollercoaster.
"I always kept myself fit and healthy as a young dad.
"It came as a massive shock but we're doing everything we can give myself the best chance."
Recalling those horrid events of July this year, Jess said: "I woke-up at 5am and heard heavy breathing and someone collapse.
"I raced out and saw Zack on the floor and he'd been vomiting blood.
"We didn't want to scare the kids, so quickly got him in the room and called an ambulance.
"He'd lost so much blood he was struggling to stand or sit up."
Following his diagnosis, Zack began chemotherapy and will continue having treatment every two weeks with regular scans and blood tests to see if the 6cm tumour has reduced and whether surgery to remove it could be an option.
Zack and Jess have set up a GoFundMe to financially support the family while Zack is unable to work.
The funds are also going towards 'additional therapies' that are not available on the NHS, which the family hope will aid Zack's recovery on top of chemotherapy.
It should be worth noting that doctors strongly advise that cancer patients should consult with medical experts before seeking alternative therapies.
Zack is contributing towards the fundraising, pledging to run 'one mile' for every £10 ($13.40) raised on his GoFundMe page.
"Chemotherapy kills all the cells - good and bad ones," Zack said.
He added: "To give my cells the best chance of rejuvenating more quickly, we've been researching additional therapies.
"I've undergone hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber which increase oxygen to the body, IV drips with intense doses of vitamin C - to boost the immune system - and red light therapy.
"I'm determine to do whatever I can to give me the best chance for my family."