HE JUST TURNED 40. YESTERDAY, HIS DOCTOR TOLD HIM HE MAY HAVE ONLY TWO YEARS LEFT.

A few weeks ago, Justin Beal celebrated his 40th birthday.

Like most people reaching that milestone, he should be thinking about future plans, family vacations, football Saturdays, and watching his children grow up.

Instead, Justin sat across from his doctor and heard words that no husband, father, or friend should ever have to hear.

According to his medical team, even with treatment, he may have approximately two years left.

The news is heartbreaking.

But if you know Justin Beal, you know one thing:

He has never stopped fighting.

Justin is an investigator with the University of Alabama Police Department, a man known for serving others, protecting his community, and showing up when people need help.

For the last several years, however, Justin has been fighting a battle of his own.

In 2019, he was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Like many cancer warriors, Justin attacked the disease with everything he had.

He endured surgery.

He endured pain.

He endured uncertainty.

And he kept moving forward.

Then, last fall, on September 11, the cancer returned.

What followed was another difficult chapter in a journey that has already tested him beyond measure.

Over the years, Justin has undergone approximately 50 radiation treatments and multiple surgeries.

Yet despite those efforts, the cancer continued to spread.

Doctors have found the disease in his skull, eye socket, thigh bone, jaw bone, and brain.

Still, Justin has continued to show courage that inspires everyone around him.

This week, he met with his doctors to discuss what options remained.

The conversation was difficult.

Justin later shared:

“I had a doctor’s appointment today to discuss some options with my treatment. Due to my type of cancer and the spread of it, chemo and immunotherapy are not an option.”

Instead, doctors are focusing on treatments intended to slow the progression of the disease.

“They are going to put me on Lenvima to slow the progress of it. I have to get a monthly shot to help keep it out of my bones.”

Then came the sentence that stopped so many people in their tracks.

“The doctor said I have about two years left even with the daily drug and the monthly shot.”

How do you process news like that?

How do you explain it to your family?

How do you wake up the next morning and keep going?

For Justin, the answer seems to be the same way he has faced every challenge throughout this journey:

One day at a time.

One step at a time.

One fight at a time.

Behind Justin stands a loving wife, Christina, and two children who need their husband and father now more than ever.

They are facing uncertainty, fear, and difficult decisions, but they are also surrounded by a community that cares deeply about them.

Sometimes there are no perfect words.

No easy answers.

No way to make sense of why bad things happen to good people.

But there is something we can do.

We can pray.

We can encourage.

We can remind Justin and his family that they are not walking this road alone.

If you’ve ever faced cancer, loved someone who has, or simply understand the value of human kindness, please take a moment today to leave a message for Justin.

Tell him you’re thinking about him.

Tell him you’re praying for him.

Tell him you’re standing with him.

Because even during the darkest moments, hope can still be found in the love and support of others.

Pray for Justin.

Pray for Christina.

Pray for their children.

Pray for strength, comfort, peace, and more precious time together.

And as Alabama fans would say:

Roll Tide, Justin.

An entire community is pulling for you.

Please leave your encouragement for Justin and his family below.