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 healthcare struggle.
In a joint statement with is wife Meghan Ory, 42, Reardon, 49, disclosed he had undergone treatment for tonsil cancer.
Looking handsome in a black wool coat, the Hudson and Rex star explained that Monday 'was my first night out after my recovery from tonsil cancer.'
According to the Mayo Clinic, tonsil cancer begins in the tonsils, which are part of the immune system. It is considered a kind of throat cancer and happens in the part of the throat that's behind the mouth, called the oropharynx.
Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
The actor, who is co-starring with Ory in Believe in Christmas on the Hallmark Channel and streaming service, said it had 'been a long road between these two pictures,' he shared, offering a contrast to another photo in which he was receiving treatment in the hospital.
Reardon praised Ory for 'taking on our whole world to help me get better' and 'My brave kids 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 dad 'took me for a walk everyday even when it was hard for me to get out of bed.'
His mother kept him stocked with 'soups and ginger honey tea and green juices so I could get calories into my body.'
He also expressed thanks to his sister and brother and his in-laws 'who are not just in-laws they are 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 amazing doctors, nurses, technicians, hospital workers, psychologists you are all my heroes and I thank you from the bottom of my heart'.
'Kindness is an under appreciated quality in people,' the actor said.
'We should never under value it. Celebrate it and distribute it as much as possible. It is free and life changing. Happy Holidays.'
Ory's Once Upon A Time co-star Rebecca Mader offered her good wishes. 'So happy to hear you’re on the other side. Congratulations! Lots of love to you and yours!'
The Flash star Michelle Harrison chimed in writing 'Love and hugs to your sweet family. What a journey for you all. ❤️'
Ory reposted the photos on her Instagram Stories along with a loving note. 'This man inspires me every day with his strength, his kindness and love that didn’t falter once 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 love you love you.'
