Thank you for coming alongside me on this long journey. Your prayers and encouraging words are helpful and have kept me moving forward. I am reminded of Psalms 23.
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer on Jan. 21 and began chemotherapy yesterday on Jan. 23.
The first indication that something was not right was when I experienced a sharp pain on my right side while at Disneyland’s 2 am Candlelight dress rehearsal at the beginning of December, just two days before the actual performance. I took a deep breath and felt a sharp pain on my right side but didn’t think anything of it and powered through not only the dress rehearsal but the performance on Dec. 7.
In the following days, the pain would come and go and would be more intense some days than others. There were days I couldn’t find a comfortable sleeping position. My energy level went down with each passing day. When I was able to eat, I felt like the food in my stomach would push against the pain on my side which caused me to cut down my eating by half. Some tastes and flavors caused some nausea associated with the food which led to having a bland diet and further cutting back on food, causing me to lose around 15 lbs.
I scheduled a doctor’s appointment for Jan. 3 and got an initial x-ray, EKG, and blood work done. The results came back negative, and an ultrasound was scheduled for three weeks out. Meanwhile, a liver test was done and results were elevated. After consulting with my doctor, we were able to get an ultrasound scheduled for the following day, Jan. 16. We received the results of the ultrasound the following day which indicated multiple small masses on my liver which necessitated scheduling a CT scan. Since the office was closed on MLK Day, Tuesday would be the first opportunity to coordinate an appointment. But on Sunday after church, I was sitting on the couch bundled up with chills and a low-grade fever. After consulting with a doctor friend, Pam and Taylor (who had just driven up from San Diego), took me to the ER to rule out any infection.
I was admitted quickly and got a CT scan which revealed a mass on my pancreas – something that wasn’t shown in the initial ultrasound. At this point, we still didn’t know if the masses on my liver were causing issues in my pancreas or vice versa. A liver biopsy was ordered and by Tuesday night, we had the final pathology results that confirmed Stage 4 (metastatic) pancreatic cancer. Due to the advanced nature of the cancer, the tumors cannot be removed by surgery, and I have begun chemotherapy starting yesterday.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as my family and I go through this difficult journey together.
Grateful,
Art
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
It says, “I walk THROUGH.” I won’t stay there.
Art, Mary and I are praying for you! God Bless you, brother!
We are so heartbroken to hear about your diagnosis, but knowing how strong your faith is, we truly believe you will face this challenge with incredible courage and grace. Even though we’re far apart, please know that you’re never alone in this fight. We are lifting you up in prayer and trusting that God’s peace and strength will surround you in every moment. Keep holding onto that unwavering faith and we will keep you in our thoughts, prayers and heart.
Lord God… may your supernatural presence continue to be felt in Art’s life and in Pam’s life and the lives of their daughters as they navigate this road, forever in your care and within your sovereign plans. Would You be their strength when they are weak … physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Would You be their hope when news from the medical team sounds less than hopeful. Would You be their source of joy when they are overwhelmed by sadness. Would You be their peace and their comfort when worry and anxiety get the better of them. Would it be in your plan that Art can continue to serve you obediently and serve you well, bringing glory to you, Lord God, for many many years to come. Thank you for receiving and hearing our humble, heartfelt prayers. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Art,
I am so sorry this is happening to you. You are such a kind and generous man. Mark, Ryan, and I will be thinking of you. We are sending prayers your way.
Art and Pam- There are no words….I am so sorry you have to walk this journey. My heart is breaking! “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is Higher than I”- PSsalm 61:2. May your faith, spirit and body be strengthened!
Hello brother Art, my Heart and spirit breaks for you through this sad news of your circumstance. I know your journey will have hard times and better times will come, but let it be known and always remember you are never alone by yourself during this journey, the Word of our Lord tells us to “Have no fear and to Fear not” 104 times directly and many more times it’s saying the same thing Indirectly.
What a blessing you are of sharing your journey with us so we can keep you in prayer and give our Father in heaven rejoice of whatever His plan is for you because it’s He who loves you greater then all. Even though the lower cap “c” (cancer) Temporarily has your insides the upper cap “C” (Christ) Jesus has your back, your front and from your head to your toes. I can say that I know what you are going through and the “TEST” that is before you because Lisa Marie (my wife) is a two-time cancer survivor and my father is also a survivor, I have also lost several family members to various forms of cancer, therefore my heart is with you brother.
I also pray that our Lord may use you through this time as you minister to others and that you may have testimony time to share how great Jesus has been to you so that others may have the same faith and hope in Him that we do, Always remember that without a true “TEST” their cannot be a true “TESTimony,” Jesus is for you not against you and it is He that will walk with you through this time and when you find it hard to walk, it is He that will carry you so you won’t miss any of the blessings that He will put before you.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Keep on walking through with God by your side ❤️ Prayers for you!!
Art, Julie and I will be praying for you. No matter what, you have Jesus and He will never let go of you. His grace, peace and healing be with you.
Art! You are a light in this world and my Disney days would not have been as bright without you! Praying for strength and grace through this journey. Sending you and your family all the love and prayers ♥️🙏
Dear Father God my eyes are upon you and I am calling out to you to heal my Disney and Christian brother Art Fong. By His stripes Art Fong shall be healed. We thank you for your Word and we take you at your Word. I will pray for you everyday Art. 🙏
LEONARD
Oh Art,
I’m brought to tears hearing this news. May God grant you and your family strength during this difficult time. I pray you find comfort in this time of fear. I enjoyed every conversation we had at Disney and always looked forward to running into whether it was at Mansion or at Fantasmic! It is cast members like you who make Disneyland and the magic that follows special and unforgettable!
Dear Art and Pam, I am deeply saddened by this news and will be praying for God’s peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, as you begin this difficult journey. It is in times like this when we must hold on to the HOPE of Jesus and trust in God’s promises (Psalm 23). I will keep you in my prayers.
Lorraine
Love you and praying my brother
Art!! We are praying for you and your family. You made my Disney Journey better and brighter. I’m truly grateful for the magic you gave to me on every shift and whenever I saw you after transferring. We love you very much.
Art, In prayer for you., Pam and your family..
Dear Art,
We walk with you in prayer – God’s Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen you through each day If there’s anything I can do for you, Pam, Jannae and Taylor, just let me know.
🙏❤️Your Disney pal!
Colleen
Hey Art! Praying for you and the family!. Who knew we would be working for the same company and making magic daily! You have prayer warriors from so many places. Praying for healing! If you need me to do anything, let me know.
Hi Art we all hate to hear the news. Our bodies are weak but the Holy Spirit is strong so we uplift you Pam and the girls in prayer for the Holy Spirits comforting power. I have a light weight wheelchair that can help transport you to and from chemotherapy. I’m happy to drop it off for you to use. You are loved and supported. Blessings Pete and Andrea
Dear Art and Pam and family,
I’m devastated by the news but we trust that God will give you and your family strength and peace during this trying time. Praying for you guys! Please let us know how to help.
Dear Art,
I know my friendship with you and Pam is still fresh and new, but I enjoy serving with you on the Greeting Team. I’ve also seen your fruit as you and Pam were part of the rebuild of Paradise, CA. You are a man of God who obeys God’s word to “love one another.” This news of your cancer is certainly not good news, but I know you know that God is Sovereign — in control of all things. I know you know God is Omnipotent — able to do more than we ask or imagine. I know you know that God is Eternal and unchanging, trustworthy and faithful. We set our minds on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. As you view everything through the Cross, may it bring you comfort, peace and healing. Praying for you!
Dear Art,
Your faith is inspiring. Darnell and I are praying for you, Pam and your family. May you all feel the love and prayers being sent out to you. May God’s peace and healing surround you.
Amen….
I love that you said of Psalm 23, “It says, ‘I walk THROUGH [the darkest valley]’, I won’t stay there.’”
We love you and we’re here for you. Praying to our Almighty, Faithful, All-wise, and Good God on your behalf!
Dear Art,
We do not know what plans God has for us. What is certain is that everything will be done according to His will.
My uncle is currently 84 years old. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011. Now, 14 years later, he is living healthily and even traveling.
I am confident that 10 years from now, we will still see you actively participating in medical missions with us.
Peter Yoon
We are always lifting you up in our prayers. The Lord our God is always with you and He will never forsake you.
Dear Art, we are praying every moment of the day. We are here for you and the family. Sending love to you.❤️
Dearest Art, Pam and Daughters,
Doreen and I are at a loss for words upon hearing this terrible news. We know quite well what a scourge cancer is. We will now pray and hope with you that the Lord will give you the strength and determination you’ll need to endure the chemo sessions and side effects, and that God will work with the oncologists to destroy the cancer cells wherever they are in your body. I’m so grateful that my late wife Snoopy’s battle with cancer brought us back together after so many years, Art. You are not alone as you walk through this Valley of the shadow of death. We love you and are with you.
Ken & Doreen
Praying for you with all my heart.
Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Art, I’m so sorry to hear about the pain and attack on your body. My family will be praying for your immediate healing. When the 10 spies went to the land God promised them there were big scary giants their. 8 of the 10 were terrified and that fear overcame their faith in God’s word. But Joshua and Caleb said in faith: yes the giants are big, but we have a God!!! God promised them the land His word never fails. Here are some promised I believe are for us today. It is written…
Exodus 15:26
“for I am the LORD, who heals you”
Jeremiah 32:27
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Psalm 103:1-3
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Proverbs 4:20-23
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
Isiah 53:4 & 1 Peter 2:24
Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering [sickness in Hebrew],
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Psalms 91
1Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
We have Jesus our Lord and Savior! Be healed in Jesus name!
Art,
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
I’ll be praying for you daily.
Rob
Oh Art. I just learned. I’m so sorry. What can we do besides praying? Nothing is too small or is too big.