A Son’s Fight, a Mother’s Grief: The Story of Andrew Reaster
Kathy Lemoine, 58, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is sharing the heartbreaking story of her son, Andrew Reaster. A seemingly healthy 30-year-old UPS driver, Andrew passed away on August 9, 2025, after a rapid and brutal battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
"He had no family history of colon cancer and was generally healthy."
A Sudden Diagnosis
Andrew’s ordeal began in January 2025 with a persistent stomach ache. A gastroenterologist discovered a blockage during a colonoscopy. By February, the diagnosis was devastating: stage 4 colon cancer that had already spread to his liver, lungs, and stomach lining.
The Fight and the Fall
Andrew underwent a colostomy and began chemotherapy. However, complications soon arose, leading to a grueling 48-day hospital stay. Despite all efforts, his condition continued to deteriorate.
A Mother's Impossible Choice
Kathy Lemoine recalls the moment she had to make a life-altering decision. The doctor had given a prognosis of about six months with treatment.
"I made the decision to proceed with chemotherapy, but later wondered if I should have let him go to avoid suffering."
Reflecting on the timeline, Lemoine believes Andrew may have had early symptoms that were tragically dismissed by medical professionals.
A Warning for the Young
Kathy Lemoine is now speaking out to sound the alarm. She points to a chilling statistic: colon cancer is the deadliest cancer for people under 50. She is advocating for earlier screening and for younger people to take persistent symptoms seriously, no matter their age or family history.