Two-Time Cancer Survivor and Age 10 Son Surprised with Keys to Truck from Pastor
Terminal illness is devastating for anyone. But beating that diagnosis only to learn it’s back a second time? That would be heartbreaking.
This is Doug Hattaway’s story. He was first diagnosed with a nasal tumor in 2008. What began as a runny nose turned out to be stage 4 cancer.
The father of one fought the aggressive tumor through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, along with a 9-hour surgery.
Against all odds, this man beat cancer.
“I stayed thankful to God through all of it,” he told WSPA. “And I made it.”
Sadly, that was not the end of the battle for Doug. In 2016, a rapidly growing knot on the side of his head turned out to be another tumor — again at stage 4.
Anyone might have wanted to give up at that point, but Hattaway’s son kept him going. “I said, ‘We’ve got to have faith, and God’s gonna provide for us,'” he shared.
Another long surgery helped Doug beat the disease yet again. Unfortunately, by that time he had been on disability for quite a while and out of work — and the bills were piling up.
Pastor Brad Atkins of Lake Bowen Baptist Church in Inman, South Carolina, heard Doug’s cry for help. “I’ve prayed for Doug for years, but to actually say, ‘What do you need?'” the pastor told WSPA.
It turned out one of Doug’s biggest needs was a way to get around. Car payments are expensive and the man had to have a way to transport his young son.
With the help of Wooten Automotive and the members of the church congregation and community, Atkins found a way to provide for Doug in a huge way.
“This is a time of year when we really start thinking about giving,” Atkins said in a Facebook video. “A need known is an opportunity given.”
The community took that opportunity and ran with it. Watch as the big-hearted pastor hands Doug the best Christmas present ever — a new truck, completely paid for, title and all!
“Since you’ve been sacrificing for your son for 5 years, God sacrificed for you,” Atkins told him. “God is good, brother. He knows where you are. He knows what you need.”
A touching moment if there ever was one. What an amazing church family and community this man has around him.
We wish Doug and his son a blessed season, and many more to come.
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