Hello, my name is Christina, and many of you know my husband, Justin Beal, who serves as an investigator at the University of Alabama.

On September 11, 2025, Justin received the heartbreaking news that his cancer has returned. He was first diagnosed in February 2019 with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. At that time, he underwent surgery on his sinuses to remove the tumor, eight weeks of radiation, and eight weeks of chemotherapy. Through his incredible strength and determination, he beat it once before.

Earlier this month, Justin’s MRI revealed that the cancer has returned in his right maxillary sinus (the hollow space beneath the right eye and beside the nose) and has spread into several nearby areas, including:

Beneath the right eye (inferior orbit)

The right side of the nose

The roof of the mouth (hard palate, right side)

The upper gum/jawbone ridge (right side)

The pterygoid region (bones behind the upper jaw)

The sphenoid sinus (a deeper sinus near the skull base)

The tumor has also destroyed bone in multiple areas, including his upper jaw and eye socket.

The encouraging news is that it has not spread to his eye or brain, and his blood vessels remain normal. However, there are enlarged lymph nodes in his neck that may show further spread. Justin is now working closely with a team of specialists, and he has a PET scan and CT scheduled on September 18 to determine the next steps in treatment.

This will be a long and difficult road, requiring multiple doctors, frequent testing, and complex treatment. In addition to the emotional and physical toll, the financial burden is already growing. Copays for appointments and procedures are piling up, and we are traveling back and forth to Birmingham several times a week for his care.

How You Can Help

Many of you have reached out asking how you can support us during this time. First and foremost, we ask for your prayers, encouragement, and love—they mean more to us than words can express.

If you feel led and are able, donations toward Justin’s medical expenses and travel costs would be deeply appreciated. Your generosity will help ease the financial strain so we can focus on what matters most: Justin’s fight and his healing.

We will continue to keep everyone updated as we learn more about his treatment plan. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. Your kindness, prayers, and support give us strength and hope.

With love and gratitude,

Christina Beal