This is Sydney Shelton and she definitely FIGHTS like a FREAK! She’s a warrior, and is the first installment of our “Freak Stories!”
I’ve known Sydney’s family for over 30 years. Her parents, Bobby & Kathy, were at the first church where I was a Student Pastor in the early 90’s. They are some of the most supportive, kind, loving, encouraging, & giving people you will ever meet. They have a faith that is genuine and true, and are willing to walk through the toughest of times with anyone. Sydney was raised with the same faith, values, and mentality.
Sydney is married to an amazing man named Austin. Austin has been by her side every step of the way as they have walked out this unexpected journey over the last 3 years. He’s a FREAK too!
I’m thankful that Sydney has allowed me to share some of her story with you, and I hope that you will join us as we help them continue to Fight.
In September of 2020, After a year of pain and trying to figure out what was causing the pain, Sydney was diagnosed with a cancerous mass in her colon. Months were spent figuring out a diet that didn’t set off pain. She tired to push past the pain and continue going to work. But, after running tests, and having a procedure with a local gastroenterologist, it became alarmingly clear that the only solution would be a surgery in her abdominal area and a regiment of chemotherapy treatment.
It’s now been 3 years since receiving the news that she had been diagnosed with cancer. Stage 4 colon cancer to be exact. She has had surgeries and treatment for 31 of the last 36 months. It’s been an ongoing battle, but she has faced it head on as an incredibly strong, honest, vulnerable, and authentic 30 year old woman!
Sydney shares, “Obviously there are a lot of emotions one experiences when hearing the words ‘You have Stage 4 Colon Cancer,’ and trust me, I have felt single every one. I don’t want my cancer to define me but it’s hard for it not to when I’ve been in active treatment or recovering from a surgery for about 31 months of the last 36. I’m currently still on treatment and have cancer in my body. It is stable and small, but I cannot wait for the day that I am told I’m in remission. I’m not sure that I’ve ever said this, but since I am Stage 4 my oncologist will not tell me I am ‘cancer free’ until I have been in remission for 5 years. Even though I’ve only made it about 3 months so far, I KNOW I’ll get there! I can feel it!”
As I said, she’s a warrior, believer, inspiration, and an example to so many others too. Whether you are battling a cancer diagnosis too, challenges in life, or some other illness, we can learn a lot from her approach. As she said, it isn’t easy, but she recognizes the value of just walking every day out as it comes. When you are diagnosed with cancer life just looks different, but how you face that life is a choice everyday.
Sydney will be our guest on the FreakCast, so I hope you will listen in as we talk through her story even more. Until then, her husband Austin has designed a shirt. Pretty cool story. The artwork was a wedding present to Sydney and Austin, and they have adapted it to her Fight Slogan “Sydney Vs Stage IV!” You can click the link to order yours today. You can also click her GoFund Me Link and help Austin and Sydney financially as they battle. I know first hand how hard this journey can be to walk, and asking for help SUCKS!!!! So, I’m asking for her! Let’s pray for and believe with her & Austin, and make a difference financially too. I’ll close with this statement she made about people that have and will support her.
“It makes me emotional seeing people in the shirts, and of course seeing/receiving the donations. I really appreciate all of the support anyone has given whether it’s through donations or just checking in on me and my family. Our entire family has been impacted by this. I know I’m the one that has the cancer diagnosis, but it’s affected everyone around me as well. If anything, cancer has shown me that I have the best support system, husband, friends, and family. Thank you!”
You can support, and share, Sydney's Go Fund Me By click this link! Let's make a difference and join her fight against the Stage 4 Colon Cancer Diagnosis she's Fighting Like A Freak to beat!!
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