Facing the Unthinkable: Our Daughter's Cancer Crisis | Learning to Lead - Jon & Ashley Carolino
On a recent episode of my podcast, Learning to Lead, I was blessed to host Jon and Ashley Carolino, a couple I have known for over a decade. While this platform is usually oriented toward those in leadership roles, I knew their story was vital for all believers, as it perfectly illustrates that the Bible doesn't ask if we face a trial, but when. Sitting down with them gave me a fresh perspective on what it means to lead a family through an insurmountable crisis. Their daughter Autumn’s battle with cancer, a story of redemption and miracles, taught me more about steadfast faith than any textbook.
I remember them recounting the initial shock of the diagnosis. What started as typical two-year-old stomach problems led to the discovery of a massive, 5x7x5 inch tumor—a "Goliath" as they named it—in Autumn’s tiny body. The true moment of crisis came after her first chemotherapy when the tumor hemorrhaged, causing her to lose consciousness. The surgeons, against all conventional advice, performed a non-traditional embolization procedure to save her life. They were in the waiting room—my own staff and I were praying intently with them—when they received the supernatural words that sustained them: Ashley’s word that "She will not die; I will restore her to full health" and Jon’s simple yet powerful anchor, "Do not be afraid, just believe".
As I shared with them on the show, I witnessed the phenomenal support their family received from our community, and specifically from our local church. I was intimately aware of a dedicated group of intercessors who "owned" this need, turning the Carolinos' battle into a corporate fight in the spiritual realm. Their support was not passive; it was active and tangible. The food, the cleaning, the DoorDash cards—these actions proved that the Body of Christ is meant to unify and hold up the arms of those who are weak, eliminating the logistical strains that often crush families during a medical crisis. The church, I realized, was not just praying; we were showing up.
Finally, I was so proud of Jon and Ashley’s candor about the aftermath. They spoke honestly about how the adrenaline eventually faded, revealing the emotional and marital strain that comes after surviving a 911-level crisis. They needed individual counseling to process the trauma and commit to healing together, realizing they were on the same team even though they grieved differently. As I closed the episode, my encouragement to my listeners, especially those in caregiving and leadership roles, was simple: Be sensitive, be available, and don't let your discomfort take you out of the game. The Carolinos’ testimony is a living reminder that our job is to keep our eyes on Christ, stop trying to fix everything ourselves, and just trust Him, no matter the outcome.