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Two brothers from North Carolina found their lives completely shook after they were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had been gradually taking over their father, Wayne Jackson.
Sharon Sechriest, the two brothers’ mom, told People, “I did a lot of crying and a lot of praying. It’s hard for me to swallow that both of my kids and their father have cancer, but I tell them that they will get through it and be fine. They are so loved and [I] will do anything in my power to make sure they live a long life.”
Wayne told People, “I feel guilty. I know it’s not my fault, because I had no idea I had this condition until a few years ago, but to see the boys suffering and going through the same things I do — I feel a sense of guilt. When I’m by myself and I think about it, it hurts.”
Preston, 21 years old, studies business at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Parker, 18 years old, is currently a senior at Chase High School in Forest City, North Carolina. Parker’s tumors were discovered in February last year. Six weeks later, Preston’s tumors were also found.
Sechriest said, “I told doctors I wanted them both tested and they thought, ‘Oh that’s crazy!’ When they got the results, I was angry but I knew there were people out there praying for me.”
No matter much the boys try to do normal things, the constant pain they feel prohibits them from playing sports and even going to school.
Sechriest, who separated from Wayne 17 years ago, said, “When Preston found out about Parker’s diagnosis, he was so devastated that he prayed to God that he would have cancer to so his brother wouldn’t have to go through it alone. That’s brotherly love if I ever heard of it. It seems God answered his prayer.”
In 2014, Wayne had 12 of his tumors removed. He would always go with Preston and Parker to their occasional trips to Houston, Texas every few months to visits specialists who are crafting a treatment plan for the two.
Sechriest said, “It’s inevitable they will need surgery, but it’s so high risk, they are trying to hold off until it’s absolutely necessary. And with this condition, they will go through many surgeries in their lifetime. It’s not a good diagnosis.”
Wayne’s son, nine years old, with his second wife was also diagnosed with the MEN-1 genetic condition. So far, he hasn’t shown any signs yet.
Wayne said, “I don’t have words, to find out I have three kids that will have to follow in my footsteps and have to deal with this condition their entire lives too, it’s devastating. We lift each other up to the Lord in prayer and make the best of what God has given us.”
