Marriage at the age of 70 requires a remarkable level of optimism, and when you also ask your two cancer doctors to walk you down the aisle, it becomes a testament to your optimism and the strength earned from life’s battles. Sheri Shaw-James shows this spirit. Her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in February 2021.
At that time, Shaw-James had begun a new relationship with Bill James, who was 77 years old.
She found in James a companion with whom she felt at ease and connected. However, after receiving her cancer diagnosis, Shaw-James felt compelled to break up with James, fearing that her illness would limit his freedom and happiness. She wanted him to have the chance to pursue his dreams, especially his love for travel, without being tied to her and her health struggles.
To her surprise, James refused to leave her side. He vowed to support her throughout the journey, no matter how long it took. Shaw-James decided to seek treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and James accompanied her on the 1,200-mile journey. Shaw-James began her treatment regimen under the care of her two oncologists, Dr. Emma B. Holliday and Dr. Van Karlyle Morris.
The bond between Shaw-James and her doctors deepened during her treatments. Despite the challenges of radiation and chemotherapy, Shaw-James found strength in her doctors’ support and encouragement. They became more than just medical professionals; they became close friends who cheered her on during her lowest moments. Shaw-James’s cancer treatments did not cause hair loss, but instead caused nausea, fatigue, and vertigo.
Throughout it all, her doctors remained by her side, offering hope and partnership in the fight against cancer.
“Dr. Holliday shared stories about her four children, and I shared stories about my five grandchildren,” Shaw-James said. “We bonded through that and my trust in her continued to build.”
“When I was feeling nauseous and weak and could barely eat and hardly walk, they were always there to offer encouragement and hope,” she said. “We became partners in getting through it.”
According to the Washington Post, after months of treatment, Shaw-James was finally declared cancer-free in June 2021. In January 2023, James proposed to Shaw-James, and she happily accepted, knowing that he had been her unwavering support during her entire ordeal. As they planned their wedding, Shaw-James knew she wanted her two remarkable doctors to be part of the special day. She felt a profound gratitude for their hard work and dedication, which played a crucial role in saving her life.
On the memorable day, June 11, with James by her side and her two beloved doctors on either side, Shaw-James walked down the aisle, triumphant, and filled with emotion. The sight of her smiling face brought tears to the eyes of those present. It was an extraordinary moment, reflecting the victory over adversity and the profound connection between Shaw-James and the two doctors who had given her a second chance at life.
At that time, Shaw-James had begun a new relationship with Bill James, who was 77 years old.
She found in James a companion with whom she felt at ease and connected. However, after receiving her cancer diagnosis, Shaw-James felt compelled to break up with James, fearing that her illness would limit his freedom and happiness. She wanted him to have the chance to pursue his dreams, especially his love for travel, without being tied to her and her health struggles.
To her surprise, James refused to leave her side. He vowed to support her throughout the journey, no matter how long it took. Shaw-James decided to seek treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and James accompanied her on the 1,200-mile journey. Shaw-James began her treatment regimen under the care of her two oncologists, Dr. Emma B. Holliday and Dr. Van Karlyle Morris.
The bond between Shaw-James and her doctors deepened during her treatments. Despite the challenges of radiation and chemotherapy, Shaw-James found strength in her doctors’ support and encouragement. They became more than just medical professionals; they became close friends who cheered her on during her lowest moments. Shaw-James’s cancer treatments did not cause hair loss, but instead caused nausea, fatigue, and vertigo.
Throughout it all, her doctors remained by her side, offering hope and partnership in the fight against cancer.
“Dr. Holliday shared stories about her four children, and I shared stories about my five grandchildren,” Shaw-James said. “We bonded through that and my trust in her continued to build.”
“When I was feeling nauseous and weak and could barely eat and hardly walk, they were always there to offer encouragement and hope,” she said. “We became partners in getting through it.”
According to the Washington Post, after months of treatment, Shaw-James was finally declared cancer-free in June 2021. In January 2023, James proposed to Shaw-James, and she happily accepted, knowing that he had been her unwavering support during her entire ordeal. As they planned their wedding, Shaw-James knew she wanted her two remarkable doctors to be part of the special day. She felt a profound gratitude for their hard work and dedication, which played a crucial role in saving her life.
On the memorable day, June 11, with James by her side and her two beloved doctors on either side, Shaw-James walked down the aisle, triumphant, and filled with emotion. The sight of her smiling face brought tears to the eyes of those present. It was an extraordinary moment, reflecting the victory over adversity and the profound connection between Shaw-James and the two doctors who had given her a second chance at life.
