Iowa family finds strength beyond the gym after cancer diagnosis
By Jodi Long
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URBANDALE, Iowa (KCCI) — Azariah Townsend can barely reach the pull-up bar in his family’s home gym in Urbandale, but he already knows strength is not measured by height.
The kindergartner and his father, James, have worked out together almost every day. Their time together is about more than building muscle; it’s about believing in yourself.
“I’m going to show you how to be brave, how to be strong, how to be confident,” James said.
A lesson in courage was viewed millions of times online. Townsend challenges his son to jump onto a stack of weight plates nearly half the boy’s height. After a failed attempt, Azariah takes a breath, counts down and lands the jump. Then he begins to cry and falls into his father’s arms.
“You’re about to make me cry,” James tells him. “That’s about being brave.”
For James and his wife, Amy, the moment reflects what they have taught their three children: bravery, confidence and strength.
That lesson carries greater meaning, Amy is battling stage 4 cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer over the summer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
“I do believe that God has made me strong enough to handle this,” Amy said. “I’m going to make the most out of every day that I have left, and I’m going to be present, and I’m going to fight.”
When treatment feels overwhelming, Amy thinks about her children’s courage, including Azariah’s leap.
“When I’m having my — you know, just really struggling with, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m not strong enough’ — it’s like, you know, my kids have believed in themselves,” Amy said. “I need to be a good example and show them strength, grace and asking for help when you need it.”
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