{"id":27532,"date":"2019-11-13T15:45:08","date_gmt":"2019-11-13T22:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=27532"},"modified":"2026-04-02T15:15:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T21:15:13","slug":"realities-of-cancer-could-not-break-family-faith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/realities-of-cancer-could-not-break-family-faith\/","title":{"rendered":"Realities of cancer couldn’t break family’s faith"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Jennifer Gonzalez always had a close relationship with her dad.<\/p>\n

Growing up, she shared her father\u2019s love of professional wrestling. A quiet yet jolly man, he sang and taught at church, where he was an ordained elder, and she and her brother, Michael Aaron, went on Christian missions with him.<\/p>\n

\"grandfather
Michael Gonzalez with his granddaughter, Kennedy. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The father-daughter bond over sports, faith and family continued as Jennifer became an adult and had children of her own. Then last year, when she was 42 and he was 63, they both were diagnosed with cancer.<\/p>\n

One in two men, and one in three women, will experience a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cried a lot,\u201d Jennifer said, her eyes welling with tears as she sat on her couch with her 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Kennedy, asleep in her arms. Kayla, her teenage daughter, was beside them and her mom, Mary, sat nearby.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t believe I was sick and Dad was sick too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael Gonzalez died Jan. 16, 2019, after losing his battle with stage 4 liver cancer.<\/p>\n

The family was devastated, but their faith \u2014 and Michael\u2019s teachings \u2014 have helped them find solace amid the harsh realities of cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cGod has bigger plans for us,\u201d said Mary, Michael\u2019s wife of 43 years. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t give us anything we cannot handle and not make it through. We don\u2019t always understand, but it\u2019s not for us to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first diagnosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It was March 2018. Jennifer was at the family\u2019s home recovering from a partial hysterectomy when her father called. Mary had left to go clean a local bank \u2014 a side job that Mary and Jennifer had taken on several years before.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe told me to let Mom know that he was going to the emergency room,\u201d Jennifer recalled.<\/p>\n

\"Michael
Michael Gonzalez sang and taught at church, where he was an ordained elder. His faith helped him and his family as he battled cancer alongside his daughter. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Michael had been feeling bad on and off for most of a year. When things got really bad, he\u2019d go see a doctor, but everything would check out fine. Then he\u2019d begin feeling well again, and the whole cycle would repeat. This time, he insisted on a CT scan.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe called me and said, \u2018I don\u2019t think it\u2019s good news. They found some spots in my liver,\u2019\u201d Jennifer recalled.<\/p>\n

That evening, the cancer diagnosis was confirmed. Michael had cholangiocarcinoma<\/a>, a group of cancers that begin in the bile ducts, the branched tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestines.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a rare cancer, and catching it in its early stages is even more rare because symptoms don\u2019t occur until it\u2019s a large size or has spread, said Dr. Doug Kemme<\/a>, an oncologist with UCHealth in northern Colorado. Michael began treatment at UCHealth Cancer Care and Hematology Clinic \u2013 Greeley.<\/a><\/p>\n

The second diagnosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While dealing with the realities of her father\u2019s cancer and continuing to recover from her partial hysterectomy surgery, Jennifer felt a lump in her breast.<\/p>\n

She figured it was hormones but decided to call her doctor. Her doctor scheduled a mammogram. That resulted in a biopsy. A few days after Mother\u2019s Day, Jennifer was told she had breast cancer.<\/p>\n

\"husband
Michael and Mary Gonzalez were married for 43 years. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cShe picked up on her own lump,\u201d said Dr. Farrah Datko<\/a>, UCHealth oncologist specializing in breast cancer in northern Colorado. \u201cIt was wonderful she didn\u2019t ignore it and sought medical advice when she found it. That\u2019s why she was able to be treated successfully.\u201d<\/p>\n

The importance of self-exams<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Women of average risk should begin routine screening mammography annually at age 40 and continue for as long as they are in good health, as recommended by the American College of Radiology<\/a> guidelines.<\/p>\n

Jennifer was at that recommended age when she became pregnant with Kennedy, so she had yet to start her annual screenings. Recognizing something was wrong with her body may have saved her life, Datko said.<\/p>\n

Breast cancer tends to be worse postpartum, with an increased risk for metastasizing, she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, our treatment is more aggressive,\u201d Datko said. \u201cAlso, because we know that having breast cancer at her age is not terribly common, she got the best regimen, which is also the toughest regimen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Treatment plans<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jennifer underwent a mastectomy first. The cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes, so she didn\u2019t need radiation. She started her first of three rounds of chemotherapy after her body had a month to heal from the mastectomy.<\/p>\n

\"Grandfather
Michael Gonzalez with his granddaughter, Kennedy, at their home in Greeley. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, Michael was going through treatment at UCHealth Cancer Care and Hematology Clinic \u2013 Greeley<\/a>, where he also tapped into counseling services. He participated in studies at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital<\/a>. He had regular fluid draws in an effort to drain fluids from his nonfunctioning liver. He would sleep for hours during the day, Mary recalled, and he wasn\u2019t getting any better.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could tell he was tired, but he never complained,\u201d Michael Aaron said. \u201cI never heard him mad at God. \u2026 My father was strong and courageous and he was loved by many. He touched many lives, and I can say I want to be more like him each day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unlike breast cancer survival rates, survival rates for cholangiocarcinoma are low \u2014 only 50% of patients live for 12 months after diagnosis, and only 5% live more than five years. And unless it\u2019s caught early, treatment options are very limited, Kemme said.<\/p>\n

Winning and losing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

By late summer, Jennifer had made it through her first intense round of chemotherapy. She lost her hair and her strength. But nonetheless, she did her best to stay positive.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t say it was all me,\u201d Jennifer said. \u201cWe talk about our faith a lot, and I knew for my kids especially, I needed to stay positive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"father
Michael Gonzalez with his son, Michael Aaron. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Datko said attitude and a strong support system play a part in the success of treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are still those physical side effects of treatment, but Jennifer really did have a good attitude,\u201d Datko said. \u201cThat\u2019s her personality \u2014 that fighter \u2014 tough it out and do what it takes. And then there was her family who rallied around her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael Aaron credits his dad for instilling such strong personality traits in his children.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember everyday my dad would walk in the front door, he would always greet everyone in our home, especially my mother, with a smile, no matter what adversity he had to face that day,\u201d Michael Aaron said. \u201cHe never allowed adversity to bring him down. My dad would always have a positive attitude and uplifting things to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

A family united<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Kayla attends Campion Academy, a private boarding high school in Loveland, where she is currently a senior. Last year, as a junior, she\u2019d return home often on weekends to help the family.<\/p>\n

Because of her strong relationships with her mom and grandfather, the realities of cancer struck her hard. She lights up when she talks about her grandfather, who drove her to and from school and often stopped to get a special treat they could enjoy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe lived to make us better,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"Grandfather
Michael Gonzalez with his granddaughter, Kayla. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a mom, Jennifer wanted to be there for her daughter, but as she fought cancer she found that often it was her daughter who had to be there for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cKayla took the brunt, taking care of me a lot,\u201d Jennifer said.<\/p>\n

So much to deal with<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Having chemotherapy close to home allowed Jennifer to return to her job at a local early childhood center during her second round of treatment. Although she didn\u2019t spend as much time in the classroom because of her already compromised immune system, it provided her with a healthy outlet.<\/p>\n

\"family
Jennifer, with her dad, Michael Gonzalez, and her children, Kayla, now 17, and Kennedy, 2. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI tried to work through it on my second chemo,\u201d Jennifer said. \u201cDad was getting worse though. But I know, for me, it took a lot of my thinking away from what I was going through. I had something else to focus on. It helped me stay busy, and I knew once I got well enough I was going to return full time to work \u2014 that was never a question.\u201d<\/p>\n

Work also provided stability for her and her family. Her youngest daughter attended the early childhood center, so having Mom down the hallway lessened Kennedy\u2019s anxiety during a very chaotic time.<\/p>\n

Finding peace in the realities of cancer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When Michael\u2019s chemotherapy didn\u2019t work, the family had exhausted their treatment options. They brought Michael home and began working with hospice<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On Nov. 27, 2018, Michael gave his last sermon at Carbon Valley Seventh Day Adventist church in Dacono as he was told he probably only had a few more weeks to live. As an ordained elder, he often helped with church services. Mary said their friends, family and church helped lighten their burden during this time by providing food, visitations and prayers.<\/p>\n

There were also many helpers at UCHealth, the family said.<\/p>\n

One of the moments that stands out is the day Jennifer finished chemotherapy and rang a bell signifying the end of her treatment. Her nurse read a poem:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Cancer Cannot Do. <\/em><\/p>\n

It cannot and will not \u2026 destroy confidence, cripple love, shatter hope, take away peace, corrode faith, kill friendship, shut out memories, silence courage, reduce eternal life nor quench the spirit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat for me was really emotional,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was at a point where I finally realized that I fought breast cancer, beat it and was recovering \u2014 it was the very first time that I actually realized what was going on. At the beginning everything is happening so fast, you are going through the motions, doing what you\u2019re told so you will be better and fight it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving forward, staying strong<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jennifer and her family think of their father daily.<\/p>\n

\"Michael
On Nov. 27, 2018, Michael gave his last sermon as an ordained elder at Carbon Valley Seventh Day Adventist church in Dacono. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI\u2019m remembering how positive he stayed through everything,\u201d Jennifer said. \u201cLots of times, no matter what, he always tried to have a smile on his face, even though there were days, especially towards the end, we could see he was in pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he said whatever happened, we should always remember that he loves us, and remember the good times we had, and that God is always with us and would help us through it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jennifer said her father accepted his death \u2014 something she struggled with.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t going to make it, and I was,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t know how long it will take, but there are still days I feel that little bit of guilt. I just have to remember; I can hear his voice in the back of my head saying, \u2018It\u2019s OK. You still have your kids and your life. You need to go on.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

With the support of each other and their faith, the Gonzalez family is moving forward. They have settled into a new home, as the memories of those last few months of Michael\u2019s life engulfed too much of their old home. Mary and Jennifer have returned to their jobs. And Kayla is getting ready to graduate this year.<\/p>\n

\"Three
Jennifer Gonzalez with her mother, Mary, right, and her daughter, Kennedy, at Glenmere Park in Greeley where they memorialized husband and father, Michael, on his birthday. Michael died of cancer in January 2019. Photo courtesy of the Gonzalez family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

They remind themselves of Michael\u2019s strong faith and celebrate him whenever they can.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember him every day,\u201d Mary said. \u201cHe told me to look at our grandkids with pride and give them kisses; tell them that he loved them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recently, the family, including Michael Aaron and his 12-year-old son, Michael David, gathered at Glenmere Park in Greeley. It was Michael and Mary\u2019s favorite spot, one they had been visiting together since becoming high school sweethearts. It was Michael\u2019s birthday, so they released white balloons and scattered some of his ashes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not easy,\u201d Mary said. \u201cBut you have to \u2014 and you can \u2014 go on. This was God\u2019s plan for us. We need to always place our trust in him and know he will help and direct our lives accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jennifer Gonzalez always had a close relationship with her dad. Growing up, she shared her father\u2019s love of professional wrestling. A quiet yet jolly man, he sang and taught at church, where he was an ordained elder, and she and her brother, Michael Aaron, went on Christian missions with him. The father-daughter bond over sports, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2164,"featured_media":27547,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[655,6835,28,241,3658,49,217],"class_list":["post-27532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories","tag-breast-cancer","tag-breast-cancer-treatment","tag-cancer-care-oncology","tag-cancer-services","tag-cancer-support-and-nurse-navigators","tag-cancer-treatment","tag-oncology"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRealities of cancer couldn't break family's faith - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Two cancers hit the Gonzalez family within weeks. 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