Hallmark star John Reardon revealed that he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer.
Reardon, 49, took to Instagram on Tuesday, December 24, to share a photo of him sitting in a hospital bed, writing, “Last night was my first night out after my recovery from tonsil cancer. Has been a long road between these two pictures and the difference is from the love and support I received from my people in my life.”
The actor issued a thank you to those who supported him amid the health scare. “My amazing partner @officialmeghanory for taking on our whole world to help me get better,” Reardon wrote about tagging his wife, fellow Hallmark star Meghan Ory, who starred in Hallmark’s Believe in Christmas with him last month. “My brave kids who inspired me.”
Reardon — who is also known for his role in Canadian police procedural drama Hudson & Rex — also expressed gratitude to his family and friends.
“My Dad who took me for a walk everyday even when it was hard for me to get out of bed – and I’m sure hard for him to see his son in pain. My Mom @ocean__cottage who made me soups and ginger honey tea and green juices so I could get calories into my body,” he continued. “My sister and brother @dr_laura_reardon @marcreardon81 who helped with the kids and the challenges of life when I couldn’t. All my in-laws, who are not just in-laws they are family, who brought food and cookies and talked through challenges with us.”
He continued: “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.”
After his cancer battle, Reardon shared some words of wisdom with those celebrating the holidays, concluding, “Kindness is an under appreciated quality in people. We should never under value it. Celebrate it and distribute it as much as possible. It is free and life changing. Happy Holidays 🫶🏻.”
Reardon’s wife, Ory, reposted the photo to her Instagram Stories and included a sweet response.
“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,” she wrote. “So proud of you @johnny_reardon_. And #cancerfree I love you love you love you.”
In the comments section of his post, Reardon received an outpouring of support from fellow actors.
Luisa d’Oliveira wished Reardon an easy recovery, writing, “Oh wow I’m so sorry to hear this! So glad you’re on the other side of it. Love and strength to you and and your family ❤️.”
Meanwhile, Rebecca Mader sent well wishes following Reardon’s recovery. “So happy to hear you’re on the other side. Congratulations! Lots of love to you and yours!🎄🙏,” she replied.
Actress Leah Gibson added a message of love as well, writing, “It’s so hard to hear this John but I’m so glad you have the love and support around your family that you need and deserve. Sending huge hugs ❤️🙏💕.”