Colby is only 23 years old and is currently battling Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue—a diagnosis that has completely changed our lives.

What makes his case even more shocking is how rare it is for his age and no risk factors, putting him in the less than 1 to 2% category. Colby has no history of smoking, vaping, dipping, drinking, or HPV-related risk factors. This type of cancer in someone his age and with his history accounts for only a very small percentage of cases.

Over the past several months, Colby has endured an intense and overwhelming journey—countless doctor and specialist visits, extensive testing, biopsies, major surgery, and the unexpected removal of lymph nodes. Through every step, he has shown incredible strength, courage, and resilience. But the emotional and financial toll on our family has been immense.

As if this battle wasn’t already enough, Colby has also been living with epilepsy since he was 16 years old. He experiences tonic-clonic seizures and takes multiple anticonvulsant medications daily. It took nearly two years to find the right combination to manage his seizures, which at one point were severe and even occurred in his sleep—something no parent ever forgets.

On March 12th, 2026, Colby underwent surgery to remove the tumor, along with part of his tongue. Prior to surgery, doctors discovered the tumor was deeper than expected, significantly increasing the risk of spread to his lymph nodes. Because of this, 29 lymph nodes were removed from his neck.

At his post-operative appointment on March 26th, we received difficult news—one of those lymph nodes tested positive for cancer. In addition, another biopsy from his tongue revealed what doctors believe may be an extension or root of the original tumor.

These findings have forced us into a new and incredibly difficult phase of decision-making.

Our initial hope was to avoid radiation due to Colby’s young age and the known long-term risks, including the possibility of developing secondary cancers decades later. However, given these new developments, radiation is now being strongly considered.

We are now faced with an impossible choice:

Without treatment, the cancer is likely to grow and spread.With radiation, we risk long-term complications and potential future cancers.

In April, we will meet with a radiation oncologist at UVA who will work alongside his current oncology team. We are praying for clarity, guidance, and the best possible path forward.

Genetic testing has also been suggested to help physicians uncover possible DNA factors, mutations, and similar criteria that may help them be better armed to treat his case.

Through all of this, Colby has remained unbelievably strong and positive. He truly has grown into an incredible young man. Despite everything, he continues to push forward—even as he relearns how to speak, struggles with eating, and copes with ongoing pain and numbness in his tongue, face, neck, and head. Some of these effects may be permanent, and part of his tongue will never fully grow back.

This journey has been emotionally devastating—but also financially overwhelming. Even with insurance, the costs for surgeries, hospital stays, biopsies, specialists, MRIs, medications, travel, and specialized nutrition have added up quickly—and they continue to grow as further treatment is needed.

If you know me, you know that asking for help is not something that comes easily. In fact, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But right now, we truly need it.

Your support—whether through a donation or simply sharing Colby’s story—would mean more than I can put into words. It would help ease the financial burden and allow me to be present for him during this critical time.

No one ever expects something like this to happen. It turns your world upside down in an instant.

We are deeply grateful for every message, every prayer, every share, and every act of kindness. Thank you for taking the time to read Colby’s story and for standing with us as we fight this battle together.

We will continue to update this page as his journey progresses.

We are going to fight this with everything we’ve got.