23 Aug Josh McKeown and the Gift of Cancer
Josh McKeown (left) at the US National Conference in July with (l-r): his brother Matt, Global Ministries Director Jeff Bleijerveld, and father Chuck McKeown, pastor of First UB of Holly Hill, Fla.
Josh McKeown, 32, youth minister of First UB in Holly Hill, Fla., was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2010. His attitude, in his own words: “Cancer has made me a better parent, a better husband, and a better pastor.”
Josh and Julie McKeown
The Daytona Beach News-Journal published a lengthy, and quite inspiring, story about Josh, called, “Pastor Credits Faith, Cancer for Making Him ‘Better’.” Some tidbits from it:
- Josh is participating in a clinical trial for an experimental chemotherapy at the M.D. Anderson cancer center in Houston, Texas. That saves about $9000 a month in medication.
- He started a support group for persons with cancer, their caregivers, and loved ones.
- A donation program called Josh’s Journey provides fellow cancer victims with any needs they might have, from orange juice to motorized scooters.
- Josh has written a 127-page memoir about his life since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, called, “The Gift of Cancer.” He started it two weeks after being diagnosed.
- Josh has been filling the pulpit of a nearby Baptist church whose pastor recently died, an opportunity which has led to other cooperation between First UB and the Baptist church.
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