A family is asking for prayers after 17-year-old Roman Coons-Kelley was diagnosed with colon cancer—a disease most people never expect to hear about in a teenager—after months of worsening symptoms and repeated trips for medical help.
According to his family, Roman’s health concerns were initially dismissed or attributed to less serious conditions. At different points, they were told it could be constipation, then an ulcer, then Crohn’s disease, and later IBS. Each time, Roman was reportedly sent home while his condition continued to worsen—costing the family time they can never get back.
It wasn’t until doctors finally performed a colonoscopy that the truth became clear: Roman had colon cancer, and by the time it was identified, it was already advanced enough to require urgent action.
Roman underwent surgery on December 26, when doctors removed cancer from his colon. But the relief of getting through surgery was quickly replaced by fresh fear. During the procedure, doctors reportedly discovered spots on his abdomen, raising concern that the disease may have spread beyond the colon. Further testing is now underway to determine what those findings mean.
In the days following the surgery, Roman’s doctors also began testing for Lynch syndrome, an inherited genetic condition associated with a higher risk of developing several cancers—often at younger ages than expected. The possibility of a genetic diagnosis has added another layer of anxiety for the family as they await results and next steps.
Despite what he’s facing, Roman is described as a hardworking and determined young man. He has already graduated high school and works in construction, where he’s found a passion for carpentry. His goal, his family says, is to join the union this summer and build a stable future doing what he loves.
Roman’s mother, Serene, says she is terrified of losing her son and is asking the community to surround him with prayers, encouragement, and love as the family navigates an uncertain road ahead.
For now, loved ones say they’re holding onto faith, waiting on test results, and hoping for better news in the days to come.
