Debra Benson Mother of NFL Player

Story: "After a routine colonoscopy at age 53, I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. After my colonoscopy, I had surgery to remove the colon tumor on December 27, 2019, and started chemo in February 2020. I could not believe this happened to me and I did not understand why at the beginning! I refused to tell my son Trinity that I had cancer since the word 'cancer' is so devastating to most, and he was so far away from me. We told him I was sick and I needed surgery, but I could wait for the surgery till he would be home in late January. He told me to go ahead with the surgery.

"He said, 'Mom, take care of you and I’ll be home to help.'

"So we went forward. I did not want Trinity to be worried or fearful about his mother, I just wanted him to focus on football. Being a private person, I did not want to share this news with anyone until it was clear, and I had all the information and all the facts.

*Inspired by his mom’s fight with colorectal cancer, Trinity, a Denver Broncos wide receiver, chose to use his cleats to raise awareness of colorectal cancer during the NFL’s 2020 #MyCauseMyCleats campaign. He directed his fans and followers to Fight Colorectal Cancer for more information.*

"I was in tears when I received the text with the picture of the cleats. Words cannot express what those cleats with the word “#DebraStrong” meant to me. I did not know that I impacted my son in a way that led him to show his deepest love and care for me.

"I’m from a large family and we are very close. We became united as one even though we are in different locations. My family called, texted, and came to visit. Some even came and prepared meals, rubbed my back, prayed for me, and just sat with me.

"From the day I found out I had cancer, my sister, Betty Johnson, and nephew Luther have been by my side every step of the way. They go with me to the oncologist, the surgeon, and have been at the hospital for four to five days at a time.

"I cannot forget my number one sidekick, my husband Ivy Benson. Cancer was a difficult time. But, we stuck together and got through it. When I didn’t want to cry, he would cry for me. But with the help of our loved ones, we stay strong! Now, my older brother also has colon cancer.

"I’m always front and center for my two sons no matter what they need. I’ve always tried hard to make it happen. When I was diagnosed with cancer I knew it would be hard for everyone. So I decided to fight this fight… and fight hard."

Advice: "One day I called my pastor and asked him to pray for my two sons and my husband.

"He replied, 'Debra I will, but first I’ll pray for you.'

"My initial thought was: no need because I know I am a child of God. He will carry me through these health issues!

"After the call, I got on my knees and I said, 'Lord, you allowed this to happen to me. Now I’m asking you to go with me through this entire journey.' I decided to focus on this fight against cancer with a smile!"