Hedy Vincent

I am a 45 year old Christian wife, mother, soldier, sister, coach, mentor, fitness enthusiast, teacher/instructor and have served just shy of 29 years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, 18 of which were as a non commissioned officer, and 11 as a Logistics Officer. I graduated from Luther High School in Onalaska, WI in 1994 and Martin Luther College with a K-12 education degree in New Ulm, MN in May 2001. I currently live in Eau Claire, WI with my amazing husband Jason, my 14 year old son Jason Jr, and my mom Nancy Daylo. I lost my father to lung cancer in July of 2019. Last year, my world completely changed when I was rushed to the ER on May 25, 2021 with stroke like symptoms. The doctors found a large black mass in my right temporal lobe that upon further testing revealed to be a Glioblastoma, one of the deadliest, most aggressive brain cancers affecting 1:300,000 people in the world. Statistically, GBM seems to affect white males between the ages of 60-80 years old, so I was completely shocked given my age and dedication to fitness and nutrition my entire life. I was given 7-12 months to live with immediate surgery along with the standard of care treatment (6 weeks of chemo and radiation). I opted to receive all these treatments in addition to consenting to a clinical trial in Rochester, MN. I still to this day remember a feeling of calm and peace washed over me when the doctors delivered what could be considered the most devastating news no one wants to hear. I felt the loving arms of my savior wrapped around me and realized that He has been preparing me my entire life for this blessing. I was meant to share Jesus Christ’s message of grace and mercy and to not waste another moment worrying about the petty things of the world. I realized that I spent so much time focused on my career and time away from my family which over time chips away at what’s most important in life. Over this last year, I went from using a walker, a cane, relearning to chew, sporting numerous funky hairstyles, along with numerous other horrible side effects from radiation and chemo, to running a half marathon and competing and placing in a crossfit competition. “Philippian 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I have this tattooed on my left inner forearm as a constant reminder that He is with me through all the good and the bad.

Our challenges become a teacher along life’s journey and each life experience and challenge can become a lesson that becomes a part of our purpose. I have absolutely no doubt in my heart and mind that healing will come, whether that be earthly or heavenly. Ultimately, my faith leads me to believe that we will find healing in our sorrows and life challenges. I don’t know why some of us are here longer than others, but I do know that I trust God’s plan for each of us and that we must not waste the precious time on earth with our loved ones that we’ve been given graciously.

My tumor has returned in the same location as of my last MRI on May 19, 2022 and will undergo my second brain surgery to remove as much as possible on May 31st, 2022. I am looking for other clinical trials, but the fight continues on and although I have many fears and doubts, I have foundation in my faith, and my loving family and friends.

Isaiah 41:10, “ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”

Thank you for letting me share my story!

Hedy