Cancer survivor names ‘miracle’ son in honor of her doctors

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This weekend, families will honor those who are doing a tough and often thankless job.

For one mom, this holiday holds a special meaning after being told by physicians she may never have another child.

Kristi Hyer was in the toughest battle of her life when she found out she was expecting. She was battling breast cancer, and the news came as a shock – one she welcomed with open arms.

Man sues Ohio BMV over rejection of ‘F46 LGB’ license plate

“Just the fact that any day that you have with your children,” Kristi said.  “You’ve lived for your children; you live for your spouse. It’s a gift. And as a cancer survivor, you never forget that every day is a gift.”

Kristi and her husband Patrick told NBC4 she was preparing for reconstructive surgery when she received the news. They said the surgeon was the one who broke the news saying “well this is a first, you’re pregnant.”

That baby would be a boy and upon arrival, the family named him James after the facility this pair said saved Kristi’s life.

“It was terrifying, because we didn’t know if she had any more cancer, or anything else coming back,” Patrick said. “And the James basically, you know, got me my family [and] saved my wife.”

Today the family of four is thriving. They are an active, healthy, sports-loving family. This mother of two said when the holiday honoring moms rolls around their pictures and memories mean so much.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.