Late last week, a story about Jon Damon’s battle with cancer was featured on CBS Philly’s website. Jon is the son of Grace Brethren pastor Jonathon Damon, who is on staff at Gateway Grace Church, a Grace Brethren church in Coatesville, Pa. (Scott Feather, senior pastor). A portion of the story appears below. Click here to read the complete story. To learn more about the GoFundMe campaign established on behalf of the Damons, click here.
Donations Pour In For Cancer Patient And His Family Who Are Always Helping Others
COATESVILLE, PA. (CBS) — In 2012 Jon Damon was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, telling him he had an increased chance of getting cancer. The same year Jon watched his dad have three serious surgeries as a result of the same genetic condition.
“It’s not the inheritance a dad wants to give his kids,” said Jonathan Damon Sr. who is now watching his son go through the same thing he went through.
People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal and other types of cancers at earlier ages and the condition is passed down from parents to children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jon was diagnosed with stage II colon and intestinal cancers at age 27. He’s currently on a no-lifting ban while recuperating from a major surgery at Hahnemann University Hospital that removed his rectum and a portion of his colon.
“I have about six weeks for my recovery still where I’m not allowed to lift more than a gallon of milk so that means I can’t even lift my own children,” explained the father of two who’s expecting a third son with his wife Leah on June 1. Jon and Leah are hoping the new baby comes in under 10 pounds. If not the soon-to-be family of five is going to need an extra pair of hands to help out.
“[Leah] is a champion,” noted Jon who says he feels like he should be the one taking care of his wife in her third trimester. “I don’t know how she does it. I’m lucky to have her.”
Jon, like his dad is usually the one taking care of people. In 2012 they moved to Pennsylvania to help his mom while his dad was battling prostate cancer.
Click here to read the complete story. To learn more about the GoFundMe campaign established on behalf of the Damons, click here.