Just after my sister-in-law, Janeane, turned 50, she and my brother celebrated what should have been the beginning of a joyful new chapter. She felt vibrant, excited, and full of hope for the years ahead. But over the months that followed, subtle symptoms began to appear—difficulty with bowel movements, intermittent abdominal pain, and an overwhelming fatigue that slowly took over her daily life.

At first, she brushed it off as part of getting older. But the exhaustion became impossible to ignore. Simple outings with her husband often had to be cut short so she could rest in the car. Evenings became harder, and she found herself going to bed earlier and earlier, barely able to stand or function. One night, after several days of worsening abdominal pain, she couldn’t get comfortable enough to sleep and moved to the couch so her husband could rest. It was there that she prayed and knew she needed to seek medical help.

Suspecting gallbladder issues, they went to the ER. An ultrasound showed nothing, but a CT scan was ordered. When the doctor finally returned with the results, they were devastating. Cancer spots were found on her liver, with additional spots visible in her lungs. The news was shocking and surreal. She turned to look at her husband of 30 years, both of them stunned and struggling to comprehend what they had just been told. They left the ER hand in hand that night, unsure how life had changed so suddenly. The fear was overwhelming, and that night ended in tears and heartbreak.

In the weeks that followed, biopsies of her liver and lungs confirmed the cancer had originated in her colon. A colonoscopy revealed the primary tumor, and she was officially diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Surgery was required to place a port for chemotherapy, and repeated procedures under anesthesia took a toll on her already weakened body. Because the tumor had grown so large that it was nearly blocking her colon, she was told she needed an ostomy before she could safely begin chemotherapy.

Her final surgery was major. The tumor was successfully removed, along with a portion of her colon, and a stoma was placed. She spent four days in the hospital recovering, and for the first time in months, she felt relief from the sickness the tumor had caused. Two weeks later, she began chemotherapy, with a total of 12 sessions planned. She is currently on her third treatment and is facing each day with courage, hope, and faith.

Through it all, God has been present every step of the way. He has given her hope, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose—to one day use her story to help others walking a similar path. Her energy is slowly returning, and she is beginning to feel like herself again after a long, difficult season. She is deeply grateful for the prayers, love, and support surrounding her.

Her husband has been by her side throughout this entire journey, caring for her full-time during the months when she needed help with even the simplest tasks. While she is more active now, her energy is still limited, and chemotherapy often leaves her bedridden for days at a time.

If you feel led to help, any funds raised will go toward everyday living expenses such as food, mortgage payments, medical supplies, and medical bills. If you’re unable to give financially, prayers are deeply appreciated as she continues her cancer journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story. May God bless you for your kindness, generosity, and support.