John Reardon is opening up about his tonsil cancer diagnosis and recovery.
On Friday, Feb. 28, the Hallmark actor, 49, posted a photo on Instagram and shared the special meaning behind the image of him smiling for the camera.
Reardon explained that the photo was meaningful to him because his 7-year-old son snapped the image. Reardon shares his three children with his wife, Meghan Ory, and they have chosen to keep their kids’ names private.
He explained in the caption that his oldest child “started making short films with his own camera a couple years ago.”
“The other day he said ‘Dad – I want to take a really nice photo of you’ and I said let’s do it! This was the photo,” he wrote. “It has fast become my favorite photo of myself 🙂 Mostly because my son took it – but also because my smile is real.”
“This is one of the first photos of me after I had finished my treatment and now I am cancer free,” he said.
“I’m back to work, back to playing sports and most importantly back to making short films with my son. I feel limitless appreciation for all my family and friends.”
“All my doctors and everyone who sent me well wishes and kindness. I’m made of tough stuff – but I’m a survivor because of my support network. Thank you to everyone who sent me stories of your own battles or that of loved ones,” he wrote in tribute to his support system. “Your courage is inspiring.”
“Scars are inevitable but fortunately we don’t walk through life alone. We all breathe the same air and look up at the same stars so we’re connected and the trip is short,” he wrote, concluding, “Here’s to long trips and big smiles for everyone 🍀.”
His wife then shared the post to her Instagram, writing, “@johnny_reardon you inspire me everyday. You handle every bit of adversity (of which there’s been a lot) with such grace and kindness. I love you.”
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Reardon revealed on Tuesday, Dec. 24, that he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. The actor announced the news with an Instagram post including a photo from the start of his treatment to the final day. He explained that Dec. 23 was his first night out after his recovery.
He thanked his support system, including his “amazing partner,” “brave kids,” his parents, siblings, in-laws, nanny, neighbors, doctors, nurses, technicians, hospital workers, psychologists and “everyone who sent food or love and support or messages and kind words.”
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