{"id":2016,"date":"2025-02-19T00:01:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T05:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cedarville.edu\/cedarville-stories\/?p=2016"},"modified":"2025-02-18T15:56:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T20:56:39","slug":"s12-e8-dr-will-smallwood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cedarville.edu\/cedarville-stories\/2025\/s12-e8-dr-will-smallwood\/","title":{"rendered":"S:12 E:8 | Dr. Will Smallwood"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr. Will <\/strong>\u00a0Smallwood\u2019s Journey of Faith, Strength, and Healing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Imagine being in your 40s, healthy, full of energy, and leading the most significant fundraising campaign of your career. Then, out of nowhere, you receive devastating news: You have cancer. And not just any cancer, but an aggressive form with a prognosis that gives you only six months to live.<\/p>\n

This was the reality for Dr. Will Smallwood, Vice President for Advancement at Cedarville University. In November 2023, amid his leadership of Cedarville\u2019s historic $175 million 1000 Days Transformed Campaign, Will\u2019s life took an unexpected and life-altering turn. What began as persistent back pain quickly revealed something far more serious \u2014 multiple myeloma, a rare and often fatal blood cancer. Doctors told him that nearly 70% of the blood cells in his body were cancerous, and without immediate treatment, time was not on his side.<\/p>\n

But in the face of overwhelming uncertainty, Will chose faith over fear.<\/p>\n

With the unwavering support of his wife, Caroline, his parents, close friends, and the Cedarville University community, Will embarked on a grueling journey of treatment. Under the care of doctors at Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, Ohio, he underwent intensive chemotherapy, battling both the disease and the unknowns ahead. His goal was clear: reduce the cancer enough to qualify for a bone marrow transplant at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus \u2014 his best chance for remission.<\/p>\n

And then, the moment came.<\/p>\n

After months of treatment, prayers, and trust in God\u2019s plan, Will and Caroline sat anxiously in the doctor\u2019s office, waiting for the news that would define their future. When they heard the words \u201cyou\u2019re in remission,\u201d the weight of fear and uncertainty lifted. Tears of joy and gratitude filled their eyes \u2014 it was an answer to countless prayers.<\/p>\n

Today, Will is back to doing what he loves: leading his team at Cedarville, investing in the University\u2019s future, and continuing to inspire those around him. While his battle with cancer isn\u2019t over, remission has given him a renewed perspective on life, faith, and purpose. He no longer takes a single day for granted and views every opportunity as a gift from God.<\/p>\n