Just as Scott was recovering from surviving a Widowmaker heart attack, we received another life-changing diagnosis: colon cancer.

On Friday, May 9th, Scott Berry was at home finishing his work week and looking forward to the Spice Runners Lounge livestream when he suddenly became extremely ill. His wife, Janine, immediately called an ambulance, and Scott was transported to Palomar Medical Center.

On the way to the hospital, Scott coded in the ambulance. Paramedics performed life-saving measures and were able to revive him after two minutes of CPR.

Once at the hospital, Scott underwent emergency surgery. During the procedure, he developed Flash Pulmonary Edema and coded a second time. Hospital staff, including the Rapid Response Team, once again brought him back.

Because of the pulmonary edema, Scott was intubated and placed in the ICU for two days.

Later, Scott and Janine learned the full extent of what had happened. Scott had suffered a Widowmaker heart attack along with Flash Pulmonary Edema. This type of heart attack has an extremely low survival rate, and Scott is alive today thanks to the quick actions of the paramedics and the incredible staff at Palomar Medical Center. We are beyond grateful that Scott is still with us.

Scott remained in the hospital’s cardiac care unit for eight days before finally being discharged home.

His progress since then has been remarkable, but his recovery has been long and challenging. Scott has required in-home nursing care along with physical and occupational therapy to help rebuild his strength. Once strong enough, he began cardiac rehabilitation to help restore his heart health.

During this time, Janine exhausted her paid time off within the first week of Scott’s hospitalization at what was still a relatively new job. It remains uncertain when she will be able to return to work full-time while continuing to care for Scott.

In addition, Scott’s own sick and vacation time ran out during the first week of July.

This GoFundMe was created to help support them during Scott’s recovery so that Janine can continue caring for him during this incredibly difficult time.

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A New Chapter in Scott’s Fight

Just when we felt like we were finally finding our footing after Scott’s heart attack and long recovery, another unexpected challenge appeared.

Recently, Scott experienced severe internal bleeding and was rushed back to the hospital. After several tests and an emergency colonoscopy, doctors discovered a tumor in his sigmoid colon. A biopsy later confirmed the diagnosis we were praying we wouldn’t hear: colon cancer.

There was some encouraging news. At this time, doctors believe the tumor — approximately 4 cm in size — is the only one present, and there are currently no signs that the cancer has spread. Bloodwork has not shown markers indicating metastasis, which gives us hope that it was found early.

In a way that still amazes us, the very medications Scott needed to survive his Widowmaker heart attack may have helped reveal this cancer when it did. Because he was taking powerful blood thinners, the tumor began bleeding — something that forced doctors to investigate immediately. Without that terrifying night in the hospital, we may not have discovered the cancer until it was far more advanced.

The next step will be colon surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. Because of Scott’s recent heart attack and history of Flash Pulmonary Edema, this surgery carries additional risks and understandably brings a lot of fear for both of us. His cardiologist has evaluated him and given clearance for surgery, but we know this will still be a serious procedure requiring strength, careful monitoring, and recovery time.

Scott has already survived a battle that many people do not. Now he faces another.

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In less than a year, Scott has now faced two life-threatening medical battles. First, he miraculously survived a Widowmaker heart attack that very few people live through. Now, just as we were beginning to believe the worst might be behind us, we find ourselves facing colon cancer and another major surgery.

The truth is, this journey has been overwhelming at times. There are moments of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. But there are also moments of deep gratitude—for the doctors who have helped save Scott’s life, for the prayers that continue to surround us, and for every person who has reached out, shared our story, or offered support.

Right now, our focus has to remain on Scott’s health, healing, and the fight ahead. That means more time in hospitals, more recovery, and more uncertainty about when life will return to anything close to normal.

Through all of this, our faith continues to anchor us. Time and time again, we have seen God show up in ways we never expected — through the doctors caring for Scott, through the timing of events that revealed this cancer, and through the love and support of so many people surrounding us.

If you feel moved to help, please consider sharing this page or contributing if you are able. Every prayer, message, and act of generosity helps carry us through this incredibly difficult season.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us as Scott begins this new chapter in his fight.

If you’re not in a position to give, sharing Scott’s story can make a huge difference. The more people who see this update, the more prayers, encouragement, and support reach our family. Please consider sharing this page so others can follow Scott’s journey and stand with us during this next battle.

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