Noah’s Story

Site created on July 2, 2019

Noah’s Journey with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Bile Duct Cancer 

August 26, 2019 - Noah, now 31, was diagnosed with the rare liver disease Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Ulcerative Colitis, a related disorder, in 2001 at the age of thirteen. The only cure for PSC, also called Walter Peyton’s Disease, is a liver transplant.

After living and working in Osaka, Japan for 5 years, Noah was let go by his employer in December of 2017 due to his health concerns and has been unable to work since that time. Noah and his wife Rena moved to Bismarck, North Dakota to live with Noah’s family in January of 2019. It was clear by that time that Noah needed to be closer to his medical team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

While being evaluated for liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic in June it was discovered that Noah has metastatic bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). This complication of PSC makes a liver transplant impossible. This setback is, of course, a major disappointment. Noah has been sent home to Bismarck to start chemotherapy soon.

Chemo was delayed due to severe jaundice which began in May. It was treated with bile duct stents which have been effective, but Noah needs to return to the Mayo Clinic every 10 weeks to have the stent replaced.

Surgery may be possible at some point, but radiation is not an option due to the potential destruction of liver tissue.

Here is a link to information on bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) from the Mayo Clinic’s website:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholangiocarcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352408

Many friends have expressed an interest in helping; some even wished to be tested to be living donors for the liver transplant. Others inquired about offering financial assistance. All who offer help, assistance, prayers, and support have touched us with their generosity and kindness. 

A benefit account for Noah has been created at our credit union that can receive checks:

Benefit Account Noah Bicknell
Capital Credit Union
204 W. Thayer Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58501

This CaringBridge page is also linked to a GoFundMe account for those who prefer to donate online.

Noah and Rena have health insurance which will cover his treatments, prescriptions, and transportation costs to and from the Mayo Clinic. Rena is working for a small company in Tokyo via the Internet but will miss workdays while she is caring for Noah.

Costs for Noah include insurance premiums, deductibles, and related out-of-pocket expenses, meals and lodging while in Rochester, future trips to Rochester for stent replacements, and travel, lodging, and meals for his caregivers.

Noah and Rena remain positive and resilient, and Noah's recent Facebook post included the following advice for moving forward:
1 - Enjoy all that you can.
2 - Don't panic.

In that spirit, we wish to thank our family, friends, and Noah's medical team who sustain our spirits with their care. Noah's brother, Seth, has decided to return to Bismarck to support him during his treatments. This gives us all a real boost and new energy. Thank you, Seth! 

Our gratitude also goes out to CaringBridge. We encourage all to support them, and to seriously consider becoming organ donors.


Wishing you all the best,
Noah, Rena, Seth, and Sue Bicknell

Newest Update

April 24, 2021 Memorial for Noah Bicknell will be held on Zoom on Monday, April 26, 2021

Journal entry by Sue Bicknell —

Topic: Noah Bicknell Memorial

Time: Monday, Apr 26, 2021 7:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87176018454?pwd=bGk3S1RreVBrZlVEdGh3TXphdE1Sdz09

Zoom meeting ID # 871 7601 8454

Passcode: 250892

To allow guests to test connections and ask any technical questions, the Zoom session will begin at 6:45 pm Central. The service will be recorded to be shared with family and friends. 

Zoom guide

Memorial Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87176018454?pwd=bGk3S1RreVBrZlVEdGh3TXphdE1Sdz09

Passcode: 250892

When you first join, you will enter a waiting room. Please wait to be admitted.

Once you are admitted you will join the meeting automatically muted. We respectfully request  that you remain muted unless asked to unmute by a host.

Please feel free to share or hide your video as you feel comfortable.

During open call for memories, please indicate that you would like to speak by raising your hand via Zoom: )

  • Click on the icon labeled “Participants” at the bottom center of your PC or Mac screen
  • At the bottom of the window on the right side of the screen, click the button labeled “Raise Hand”.

You will be asked to unmute and spotlight your video to allow you to share. Be sure to unmute before you begin speaking.

 

Order of Service:

In loving memory

Noah Bicknell

April 26, 1988 to September 27, 2020

Order of Service

Welcome by Peder Stenslie

Lighting of candles

Reading of obituary (Peder)

Music by Chuck Suchy

Slideshow -Memories of Noah

“Summer of 2002” by Noah Bicknell, read by Seth Bicknell 

Noah’s eulogy for his father, Bill

Call for memories

Closing by Peder Stenslie

Music by Chuck Suchy

Open discussion

 

Leader: Peder Stenslie

Music: Chuck Suchy

Slideshow: Rena Bicknell

Reader: Seth Bicknell

Audio/Video: John Lardinois

Zoom: John Ferderer

Read More of the journal titled "April 24, 2021 Memorial for Noah Bicknell will be held on Zoom on Monday, April 26, 2021"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Noah Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Noah's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Noah

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top