Stage 3 Cancer Diagnosis Left Mom Fearful of Test Results—Then the Unexpected Happened

A mother of three was suffering through the darkest period of her life. She was diagnosed with cancer, and less than a year later, her husband of 19 years died in a car accident. A few months later, her mother-in-law moved in, before dying unexpectedly in her sleep. Throughout all of this, she had the support of a childhood friend, who would message her over social media. When they finally met up in person, it was love at first sight. And when she was officially clear of all cancer, he proposed.

A whirlwind of heartbreak

Kyra Edwards is a 47-year-old real-estate broker in Georgia, United States. But she had met Zechariah Harris in high school. She was 14, in the same friend group, and had a crush on him. Although he reciprocated her feelings, they were never single at the same time. They ended up going their separate ways and he went on to become a U.S. Army command sergeant major and business development director for Armag Corporation. But they stayed in touch over social media.

In October 2023, Edwards recieved her diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer and started treatment. However, she received in a grim prognosis in January: She had cardiotoxicity, which was a rare but severe reaction to the medication. “I was told that I pretty much had no other options,” she says to People. “I should just go ahead and get my affairs in order.”

Unwilling to accept that, she got a second opinion and a new medication that her body tolerated. However, in August 2024, just after completing her treatments, her husband Brad died in a car collision. Fortunately, their son Blaine, who was 10 at the time, survived the crash and managed to get help.

On the first of November, Edwards had a surgery to remove the tumor. Brad’s mother moved in to look after her as well as Blaine and his older sisters Parker Ann and Ally. But after celebrating Blaine’s birthday in mid-December, Brad’s mother died. Without any warning, the family had to face another sudden and devastating tragedy.

“It’s like a Hallmark movie”

Throughout all of these hardships, Harris supported Edwards over Facebook. Then, in December 2024, Edwards was visiting her hometown. When Harris found out, he asked to meet in person, and Edwards was ecstatic. “My kids were laughing at me,” she says. “I was super excited and fan-girling, like a 14 year old.” But her optimism paid off, and they clicked instantly. “He just felt like home. He felt like home immediately from that first hug.”

Edwards’ story reached a stunning climax on February 12th. She was attending a medical appointment to review her latest scans and tests. “I was so very scared because it could have gone either way,” she says. But there was only good news: She was completely cancer-free. She celebrated by ringing the hospital’s bell that marked the end of treatment. And when she turned around, she saw Harris on one knee. “I said that ‘I couldn’t think of a better place to start our new life [than] at the place that gave her hers back.’ I asked her to marry me, and she said, ‘Yes,’” says Harris, 48. “We know how precious and how short life can be. We don’t want to waste any more time. We want to get our life started.”

Edwards was overjoyed. “It’s like a Hallmark movie,” she explains. “I’m so overwhelmingly happy to feel this type of love and with someone who’s been my friend for over 30 years. He’s truly my best friend.” She talks about how he treats her and her children with so much love, respect, and kindness. Meanwhile, he admires her resilience, that she still smiles after suffering so much.

Emotional support during cancer treatment

Research has shown that support can greatly improve the quality of life for patients with cancer. In fact, a 2022 study showed that informational support from friends can most improve patients’ general health while emotional support improves coping methods. Both kinds of support, from a partner and family members, can lead to improved functioning and reduced symptoms.

Edwards’ doctors say this may have been the case for her. “I’m very happy for Kyra and Zechariah. Kyra has been through a challenging journey,” says Chowdhury Medical Oncologist Dr. Shahin. “We see every day how important it is for cancer patients to have someone in their corner through the highs and lows, and Zechariah has supported her through it all. I wish them the happiest of futures on their road ahead.”

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