Seventeen-year-old Roman Coons-Kelley should be planning his next steps into adulthood, not fighting for his life. Instead, his story has become a painful reminder of how quickly time can be lost when serious illness goes unrecognized.

It began with symptoms doctors believed were minor. First, they said it was constipation. Then an ulcer. Then Crohn’s disease. Later, irritable bowel syndrome. Each time, Roman was sent home, while something far more dangerous continued to grow unseen inside his body.

By the time physicians finally ordered a colonoscopy, the diagnosis was devastating: colon cancer. In a teenager. And it was already advanced.

On December 26, Roman underwent surgery to remove the cancer from his colon. While surgeons were able to excise the primary tumor, they discovered additional spots on his abdomen, raising fears that the cancer may have spread. Further testing is now underway, including screening for Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition known to cause aggressive cancers at unusually young ages.

All of this unfolded in a matter of days, turning a family’s world upside down.

Despite his age, Roman has already graduated high school. He works in construction, loves carpentry, and dreams of joining the union this summer. Those who know him describe him as strong, hardworking, and deeply faithful. His belief in God has been a source of comfort as he faces an uncertain road ahead.

His mother, Serene, says the fear of losing her son is overwhelming. She has asked the community to surround Roman with prayers, encouragement, and hope as he begins the next phase of his fight.

Roman’s case highlights a growing concern among medical professionals: colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger patients, often going undetected until it reaches advanced stages. His story is a call for greater awareness, earlier testing, and listening carefully when young patients say something is wrong.

For now, Roman and his family are holding onto faith — and to the belief that he still has many chapters left to write.