From Diagnosis to Discipleship: How Cancer Deepened Mrs. Kohler's Calling

Mrs. Jamie Kohler with her husband Matt.

Mrs. Jamie Kohler, an upper school tutor at the Regina Caeli Academy Portland location, received a devastating cancer diagnosis in June 2024 with an initial prognosis of 6-12 months to live. Rather than despair, her first response was to ask God what He wanted her to do with this challenge. Throughout her ongoing treatment—including chemotherapy, naturopathic care, and a strict protocol—she has found strength through daily mental prayer, her parish community's support, and spiritual practices that help her focus on gratitude rather than fear.

Her faith journey through cancer has deepened her sense of purpose, leading her to continue training as a spiritual director and write a book about her experience. She has also connected with other Catholic cancer patients worldwide, creating support networks and sharing encouragement. Despite the uncertainty of her prognosis, which has involved multiple treatment changes, she maintains that preparing spiritually before trials come is essential, and encourages others not to postpone meaningful moments with family and faith, reminding them to "live a joyous life that leads others to Christ."

Q&A with Mrs. Kohler

When were you first diagnosed with cancer? What were your initial thoughts?

I was diagnosed on June 6, 2024. My initial thoughts were, "Ok, Lord, what do you want me to do with this?"

What treatment did you undergo?

I do a chemo regimen that is three weeks on, one week off (Since July 2, 2024). I also consult with a naturopathic oncologist and receive health coaching from a doctor in Canada. My protocol included a very regimented diet, daily exercise, and a host of supplements and off-label drugs.

What were some of the hardest parts of your journey, physically, emotionally, spiritually?

The spiritual warfare that plagued me, especially early on, was a challenge. However, I was thankful I had the tools necessary to rebuke the Devil through the study of Discernment of Spirits and attending the Healing the Whole Person Retreat put on by the JPII Institute for Healing.

Were there any specific Bible verses, prayers, or spiritual practices that brought you comfort?

My daily prayer, which includes Mental Prayer, was/is vital to my ability to focus on the gratitude of the day and not worry about what it would look like six months from now. Today is a good day, let's celebrate it and live my daily duty as God would have me do.

How did your church or faith community support you during this time?

My parish has been amazing. The amount of prayer I receive daily is magnanimous. I also have people willing to drive me to and from chemo so that my husband doesn't have to take so much time off work. In the beginning, people brought food, but I soon realized this wasn't as helpful as people would like because of the diet regimen. I also have great support for watching my three-year-old when I have appointments.

Were there people God placed in your life that made a big difference along the way?

When I was first diagnosed, I kept hearing the word "receive," and while it was people's generosity, it was also information. I feel like I am back at college learning about the human body and how cancer functions. I have friends who are doctors (not oncologists), who are generous with information, suggesting treatments, and supporting me. Trying to navigate so much information can be overwhelming.

How did your faith help you support and encourage your loved ones who were also affected by your diagnosis?

When I was first diagnosed, I was given 6-12 months to live. At the time, my oldest son's wedding was a year out. I wasn't sure if I would be there. At first, that made me very sad, but then almost immediately, I heard an interior voice remind me that as a person in purgatory or heaven, I would be able to pray for those here and that I would be more present to them at the wedding that I would be in my current "form." That gave me an overwhelming peace, and I was able to refer back to that any time I had a "fear of missing out" should God call me home.

Looking back, how do you see God working in and through your journey?

I have been able to connect with other cancer patients around the world, share my protocol, and give encouragement. A friend of mine (she has brain cancer) and I have started a Signal group for support for Catholics living with or survivors of cancer. We pray for each other and offer advice, if asked. God has guided me every step, even though the route is definitely not straight: inoperable, operable, not eligible for operation (new met to live), prep for radiation, problem in the liver (possible abscess), back to chemo (this is our current state).

What lessons has this experience taught you about faith, life, and resilience?

It has shown me that I need to work on my vanity (hair loss), that I need to be better about detachment (still a work in progress), and that focusing on the good, true, and beautiful will help me live today as my best day.

Has your outlook on life or your purpose changed?

Right before I was diagnosed, I had discerned a yes to begin training to be a spiritual director. When I was diagnosed, I thought perhaps I had heard wrong in my discernment. However, God affirmed that, yes, he did want me to continue pursuing this. So I am currently working with the Avila Institute to complete my initial phase of formation. I am also writing a book regarding my cancer journey.

How would you encourage someone who is struggling to hold on to their faith in a difficult time?

Read Finding Peace in the Storm: Reflections on St. Alphonsus Liguori's Uniformity with God's Will by Dan Burke. It happened to be the last book my small group read and studied before I got sick. God's timing is never wrong. And find a small group to walk with during the difficult time. Really, the question should be, "How, in times of consolation and peace, do I prepare for times when I may struggle to hold on to my faith?" Prepare BEFORE the storm comes so you have the spiritual tools necessary to weather the storm.

Don't assume you can “do it next year." Take time now to be with your family, make memories, share your faith, and live a joyous life that leads others to Christ.

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Mrs. Kohler recently appeared on Dan Burke's Divine Intimacy Radio to discuss her remarkable journey of faith through cancer. Her story of turning a devastating diagnosis into deeper discipleship offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone facing difficult times. Watch below or listen at: https://spiritualdirection.com/2025/03/31/a-woman-at-the-tomb