John Reardon is known to most fans as the handsome leading man in many a Hallmark holiday romance, but on Christmas Eve, the Canadian actor opened up about his life-threatening health care battle.
In a joint statement with his wife Meghan Ory, 42, Reardon, 49, revealed he had undergone treatment for tonsil cancer.
The Hudson and Rex star looked handsome in a black wool coat and explained that Monday was “my first night out after my recovery from tonsil cancer.”
According to the Mayo ClinicAlmond cancer starts in the tonsils, which are part of the immune system. It is considered a type of throat cancer and occurs in the part of the throat behind the mouth, called the oropharynx.
Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The actor, who co-stars with Ory in Believe in Christmas on the Hallmark Channel and streaming service, said it was “a long road between these two pictures,” he shared, which contrasted with another photo of him receiving treatment at the hospital .
Actor John Reardon, 49, revealed he had been treated for tonsil cancer in a gratitude-filled post on social media. Tonsils are part of the immune system and are considered a type of throat cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic
Reardon praised Ory for “taking on our whole world to help me get better” and “My brave children who inspired me.”
The couple share three children between the ages of one and six.
Reardon’s recovery was a family affair and he described how his father “took me for a walk every day, even when it was hard for me to get out of bed.”
His mother made sure he was fed “soups, ginger-honey tea, and green juices so I could get calories into my body.”
He also expressed his gratitude to his sister and brother and his in-laws “who are not just in-laws, but family.”
Also included in his gratitude were ‘Our nanny, our neighbors and everyone who sent food or love and support or messages and kind words and also all the wonderful doctors, nurses, technicians, hospital staff, psychologists, you are all my heroes and I thank you the bottom of my heart’.
“Kindness is an underrated trait in people,” the actor said.
‘We should never underestimate it. Celebrate it and share it as much as possible. It’s free and life-changing. Happy Holidays.’
The actor posted this photo of himself and wrote: ‘Last night was my first night out after recovering from tonsil cancer’
The Canadian actor thanked his wife Meghan Ory, with whom he stars in Believe in Christmas on the Hallmark channel and app, for “attacking the whole world to help me get better.” He also thanks his three ‘brave children who inspired me’
The Hudson & Rex star thanked family, friends and the medical staff who supported him during his treatment. “Kindness is an underrated trait in people,” the actor said. ‘We should never underestimate it. Celebrate it and distribute it as much as possible,” he advised
Ory’s Once Upon A Time co-star Rebecca Mader expressed her well wishes. “I’m so glad to hear you’re on the other side. Congratulations! Lots of love to you and yours!’
The Flash star Michelle Harrison wrote, “Love and hugs to your sweet family. What a journey for all of you. ❤️’
Ory reposted the photos to her Instagram Stories, along with a loving note. “This man inspires me every day with his strength, his kindness and his love that never wavered even when he was in insane pain. You are my hero.’
“So proud of you @johnny_reardon_,” she wrote, adding, “And #cancerfree I love you, I love you, I love you.”