Faith, Family & the Fight Against Cancer: God's Grace in My Journey of Hope and Healing

God’s Grace is & was sufficient for my healing.

Grace in the Bible is defined as a free gift that cannot be earned or deserved. 

Britannica defined God’s grace as “In Christian theology, grace is the unmerited gift of divine favor that saves sinners and regenerates and sanctifies individuals."

I stand before you today as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community. My journey with cancer began in the wake of profound loss. My mother's passing in November 2022.

After her passing, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that my own children, Taurus II and Cheri’A, as well as my soon-to-be husband, Travis, were prepared for the future.

As a financial agent, I understood the importance of having the right policies in place. I made sure to secure life insurance and critical Aflac policies for cancer, accidental, and hospital coverage. Little did I realize how invaluable these decisions would soon become. Although I regularly interact with families through my childcare business, my role as a financial agent took on even greater significance as I recognized the need for comprehensive protection.

In the months following my mother’s passing, I began to notice subtle but alarming changes in my body: persistent stomach pain, an irregular appetite, unrelenting fatigue, and irregular bowel movements. At the urging of my soon-to-be mother-in-law, I scheduled a colonoscopy in the spring of 2023. The procedure took place at the end of August, and though my doctor initially found polyps he assured me it was likely nothing, but I still prayed and put my trust in God.

Shortly after the colonoscopy, I was hospitalized with severe stomach pain, but I still remained hopeful. Then, that dreadful call came after Labor Day – September 4, 2024 - I was informed that malignant polyps were present, and the two others were precancerous. Colon cancer showed it's face! The cancer was dangerously close to my lymph nodes, and I was told I would need to have part of my colon and my female organs removed due to fibroids.

The surgery itself was postponed until November when, by God's grace, a blood clot was discovered in time. Had I rushed into surgery, it might not have been caught, which could've been very detrimental to my surgery. From that moment, I leaned more into faith, prayer, and the incredible support of my loved ones and community. My days were filled with meditating on healing scriptures from Melva Henderson and Dr. Cindy Trimm, and I began juicing regularly with the encouragement of family.

A special thanks to Carmen and Jackie, who helped me with the juicing process, which played a crucial role in oxygenating my body and supporting my digestive health. Feel free to join Jackie's Facebook Group Alkaline Living for Everyone for more juicing inspiration and education on nourishing your body through juicing.

My loved ones—Cheri’A (daughter), Kathy (sister), Taurus II (son), Launita (friend), Caprice (friend), and so many others—helped me in every way imaginable, from attending doctor’s appointments with me to caring for my home.

Before the surgery, I prayed with all my heart, asking God to keep me here for my grandson, London, and for the many prayers in my life that are still waiting to be fulfilled. With two major surgeries in one day, I knew there was always a chance something could go wrong, but I placed my faith in God’s hands.

When I opened my eyes after surgery, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. The procedure was successful, though I faced yet another blood clot in my pelvic area that required another hospital stay. But through it all, I held on to hope.

Weeks later, I received the news I had prayed for—there was no additional cancer, and I wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation. It was a miracle!

I am eternally grateful for the love and support I received from my family, friends, and organizations like Chix4aCause, who provided me with financial, emotional, and spiritual assistance when I needed it most. Thank you Cheri'A for nominating me to such a wonderful organization. To everyone who prayed, helped, or stood by my side during this journey—thank you.

My message to you all: cancer does not discriminate, and it’s crucial to listen to your body. Be proactive about your health, lean on your community, never lose faith, and God's grace is sufficient. Together, we can face the hardest battles and come out stronger on the other side.

Warmest regards,

Cheryl McBride

 

^{Philippians 4:6-7}

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.