10/17/2026
Most of you who know me know that I have been blessed with both a son and a daughter. And if you know one of them, chances are you know the other. I’ve also been blessed with a beautiful granddaughter who will be celebrating her second birthday tomorrow! ❤️
When I look at my life, I see so many blessings. From my family and friends to the wonderful people whose paths have crossed mine, I have so much to be thankful for.
Today, though, I want to share something very personal. I am not sharing this story for sympathy, but rather for awareness, because sometimes the most important stories are the hardest ones to tell.
In February of this year, on his 35th birthday, my son Jeremy received news that no one, especially someone so young, ever expects to hear. He was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.
As a mother, there are simply no words to describe what it feels like to hear that your child has cancer. No matter how old our children get, they will always be our babies, and all we ever want is for them to be healthy, happy, and safe.
But today, I don’t want to focus on the fear or the sadness. I want to focus on Jeremy’s courage and his determination to use his own experience to help others.
I ask you to please take a few minutes to watch the 12 News video about the Cattle Barons Ball, and then scroll down to hear Jeremy tell his own story.
His message is simple, but it could save someone’s life: Listen to your body. Pay attention when something doesn’t feel right. And most importantly, advocate for your own health.
For most people at average risk, routine colon cancer screening doesn’t begin until age 45. Jeremy was just 35 when he received his diagnosis. Cancer doesn’t always wait until you’re old enough for a routine screening.
If sharing his story encourages even one person to recognize a symptom, ask another question, or push for answers when something doesn’t feel right, then his voice is already making a difference.
I also ask that you find a little room in your heart to keep Jeremy and his beautiful family in your prayers. They have a journey ahead of them, and your love, prayers, and support mean more than words can express.
And finally, if you are able, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society. No amount is too small. Every dollar helps support research, awareness, and the hope that one day, fewer families will have to face this disease.
From one very grateful mother, thank you for taking the time to read this, for listening to Jeremy’s story, and for helping spread a message that could truly save a life. ❤️
Please share his story. You never know who might need to hear it.
