February 4, 2026

Today is World Cancer Day. You might scroll past dozens of posts about cancer today, or maybe this is the only one you’ll see. I wish I had a big call to action planned. I wish I were in a place mentally where I could organize a fundraiser or advocate for the many cancer foundations that desperately need support.

But right now, I’m still in the thick of it. My mind is crowded with anxiety, medication schedules, and the constant mental load that comes with loving a child through cancer. So instead of a call to action, all I have today is reflection.

I reflect on what life might look like when we eventually go home. I reflect on the pieces of childhood that were taken from Erma and Johnny. And I reflect on how, if I could go back, I would do things differently. I wouldn’t have been so strict about sleep schedules or stressing over milestones. I would have slowed down at daycare drop-off. I would have lingered longer brushing my girls’ hair. I would have jumped in the pool every single time they asked instead of trying not to get my hair wet.

I try hard not to let my updates feel heavy and I often spare you the emotional back-and-forth that comes with this journey. But if World Cancer Day can offer anything I hope it's a day of reflection for you. Cancer does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, at any time. You can do everything “right,” and it can still become part of your life.

I would never wish this disease on any child or family. It has completely changed me and my priorities, my perspective, and my understanding of what actually matters. So if there’s anything I hope you take from this, it’s this: hold your babies a little tighter tonight. Don’t complain when they climb into your bed. Don’t rush through moments. Slow down.

I know that even when this chapter is behind us, we’ll always glance over our shoulders, watching for relapse. That fear is real. But I also know we’ll return home with a new outlook on life and a deeper appreciation for every part of our kids, even the parts that are hard to love some days.

If you’ve followed along with Erma’s story, I hope it’s reminded you how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change. Love your children fiercely and without condition. Teach them about Jesus. What an incredible blessing it is to get to do that.