Cancer-Free For Two Years

If you have been following our blog for a while, you probably remember hearing Jill and Derick's devastating announcement when they found out just two weeks after their engagement that Derick's mom, Cathy Dillard Byrum, had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

When the couple's June 21st wedding rolled around, Cathy was unable to attend the rehearsal dinner. In the absence of his dad--who passed away in 2008--and mom, Derick's younger brother Dan spoke on behalf of the family, telling Derick how proud they were of him.

By God's grace, Cathy was miraculously able to make it to the wedding ceremony. She arrived in a wheel chair directly from the hospital, accompanied by husband Ronnie. Despite the chaos of pulling off an outdoor wedding reception for 1,000 guests, wedding planner Sierra Dominguez selflessly put much of her energy into ensuring that Cathy was able to stay close by her son's side throughout the celebration.

Derick's mom remained focused on God throughout her illness. Two-and-a-half years after the initial diagnosis, we rejoice with the Dillard family as they thank God for Cathy's health. The mother of two and grandmother of one has been cancer-free for two years!

In honor of the important milestone, Cathy pulled out the dress she wore to Jill and Derick's wedding, although the cancer survivor says it fits much better now that she has gained 25 pounds.

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Video: Grandma C in Central America

Do you all remember Derick Dillard's mom, Cathy Byrum Dillard? She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma two weeks after Jill and Derick's engagement, and by the time their wedding rolled around three months later, she was not expected to survive.

Against all odds, Cathy won the battle and is now cancer free! She attributes her healing and peace during the storm to the Lord. This lovely lady has visited Jill, Derick, and Israel a couple times in Central America. Check out the video below. How sweet is it to see Israel whimper as his beloved "Grandma C" leaves? 

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Medical Update on Derick's Mom

Several readers have requested an update on Derick's mom, Cathy Byrum, so here it is. :)

On April 10th of last year, two weeks after Jill Duggar (now Jill Dillard) got engaged to Derick Dillard, Cathy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Now, almost ten months later, Cathy is doing exceptionally well. She recently had a PET scan and a bone marrow biopsy, both of which came back clear. She will have another doctor's appointment in two months but will not require future scans unless symptoms reappear.

A week before Jill and Derick's wedding, Cathy's oncologist did not expect her to survive another day, but she proved him wrong and even made it to the wedding. Cathy's story is nothing short of a miracle. Jill says that Baby Dilly, due in less than seven weeks, cannot wait to meet his grandma!

Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Cathy Byrum visit Grandma Vergie,

Cathy's mother who passed away in November 2014