“In the latter part of July last year, at the age of 67, I went in for a colonoscopy. Since it had been almost six years since I had a check-up, I was sure the exam would be as simple as removing a polyp or two. Never in my wildest dreams would I believe that Dr. Jack Cole would find a tumor that was cancerous.

“The amazing part was that the polyp was not in my colon, but on some tissue left from a surgery when I was 33. When he showed me the X-ray, it looked like God’s arm and hand holding it in the very top so it would not get anywhere else.

“My family went with me to see the surgeon, Dr. William Chapman, and he suggested we have it removed as soon as possible. I asked him the question, “How long do I have without surgery?” and he said, “A year or two at the most.” My family and friends reminded me, “God makes no mistakes.” They gave me the strength and courage I needed.

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