Facing Down Cancer, Pro Baseball Player and His Wife Celebrate New Miracle Baby
It's been a year like no other for Major League pitcher Jon Edwards and his wife Katelyn. Last December, a doctor's report shook their world: Jon was diagnosed with testicular cancer and needed immediate surgery.
Bucking against some recommendations, the Edwards opted to forego the future possibility of in vitro fertilization.
Jon said to the medical specialist, "Sir, with all due respect, Abraham had children in his 90s. We are just going to trust the Lord with this. We believe God wants good for us and we'll have babies when that time comes."
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Edwards went into surgery only days before Christmas. The report the next day astounded his doctors.
"The CAT scan came back clean: my lymph nodes, torso, everything completely cancer-free," recounts Edwards.
Cleared to pitch for the Texas Rangers, Jon and Katelyn Edwards went on to spring training in the city of Surprise, Arizona.
"There we were and it was Surprise, you're pregnant!" recalls Katelyn, a development the media proclaimed a miracle.
Then in August, an unforeseen trade uprooted them to California.
One year after the very day they received his initial cancer diagnosis, Jon and Katelyn Edwards speak in an exclusive Bound4LIFE interview from their extended family's home in north Texas — sharing the joys and difficulties they faced together this past year.
Bound4LIFE: Last we spoke, Jon, you were pitching for the Texas Rangers. What changed this past summer?
Jon Edwards: In August, we were traded to the San Diego Padres. It was unexpected, but I knew God was moving us — closing one door, to open another door that would be better.
I'm excited about all the changes that we're having in our organization: new managers, players — I'm looking forward to the opportunity we have to be there and to glorify the Lord.
Bound4LIFE: Katelyn, how has this trade affected you — moving to San Diego in the midst of preparing for a new baby?
Katelyn Edwards: We were traded just two months before our baby was born. We were excited about it, but the transition was harder for me being eight months pregnant. Moving from Dallas to San Diego, we were living out of suitcases and in hotels — while I had been looking forward to being at home, nesting and preparing.
In an uncomfortable and difficult situation, all I could do was rely on the Lord for strength. God not only helped me through it; He carried me on eagles' wings. I learned to stop trying to control it all, instead placing my trust in His hands.
Looking back on it now, I see how the details of Jon being traded, us finding a place to live out there, getting all the details prepared for our baby to arrive — throughout the transition, the Lord was definitely taking care of all those little details.
Bound4LIFE: When your family came into San Diego, Jon, one local reporter recounted how you beat cancer in a story where your faith really shines through. Have you had many opportunities to share the journey you've traveled?
Jon Edwards: I definitely have, which is what's been so cool about being traded over to San Diego. When I first got there, I found out that the number one cause of death in the San Diego area is cancer.
They were having a charity event to raise money to fight against cancer, and I had the opportunity to share the faithfulness of Jesus in my life. I told the audience how I've seen Him be a healer and how He loves each of us; He was faithful to heal me, to take care of me going through what I did.
So I have had opportunities in San Diego, and in many other places the Lord has been opening doors for me to share my testimony. We've been really encouraged.
Bound4LIFE: Katelyn, many have now heard the miracle story leading up to your pregnancy. Tell us about those months anticipating your new son and welcoming him into the world.
Katelyn Edwards: Going through pregnancy and birth, it's given me a whole new perspective on life. There is no doubt that each life is an absolute miracle and a gift from the Lord — He's the master Creator, and His hand is on every detail, forming the life on the inside of you. The way that He designed it is so perfect, there's nothing we can add to it.
My pregnancy went very smoothly. But no matter if someone has an easy pregnancy or a more challenging one, you can always be at rest knowing that He's protecting you and your baby — keeping you from harm.
Our Benjamin was born on October 24. There is nothing like after that incredible moment of birth, getting to hold a new baby in your arms. I experienced a whole new love that I can't even describe.
Bound4LIFE: What is the significance of your son's name?
Katelyn Edwards: Benjamin means "son of my right hand" and "grace." His middle name David means "beloved." These are two truths we desire Benjamin to grow up knowing — he is a beloved child of the Most High, and he has the grace of God on the inside of him.
