06/16/2026
Personal Update
There is no better time than now to let everyone know what has been happening with our family recently. We wanted to make sure we understood our path forward before sharing this publicly.
Back in April, my wife, Gina, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Like most people, you always think this is something that happens to someone else—not your family. But cancer has now landed on our doorstep, and it is the main reason why I've covered far fewer spring games than I normally do. I've tried to respond to everyone who has reached out about games and photography, but I know I've missed some messages along the way.
I think Gina said it best: it's hard to continue doing regular life while also learning to live with this new normal called cancer. So many people have walked this road before us, and now it's our turn to take those first steps.
We are incredibly fortunate. Gina has always stayed on top of her yearly mammograms, and that's where this was discovered. Initially, we thought we were in the clear after a biopsy came back benign, but doctors found a second spot. She had to go through the process all over again, and this time the results came back positive.
Thankfully, the tumor was very small, but it is also an aggressive form of breast cancer. Just a week and a half later, she was in surgery to have it removed. The surgery went well, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread. However, her doctors have recommended chemotherapy to treat anything microscopic that may be undetected, and that journey begins at the end of this month.
As for RD Sports Photo, I will continue covering what I can. There will likely be some gaps this summer depending on how Gina responds to treatment. This has also slowed down my editing and photo delivery times for those who have signed up with me, and I appreciate everyone's patience and understanding.
I've already made four trips to Grand Rapids, with another one coming this week… and I'm starting to hate that drive :)
Overall, we feel very good about the prognosis, but we'd be lying if we said we weren't nervous about the next phase and how chemotherapy will affect her. The timing isn't ideal, especially with our son Landen getting married on August 1st, but unfortunately we don't get to choose when cancer arrives at our doorstep.
Thank you, as always, for your support, prayers, and understanding as we navigate this new normal together. Please hang in there with me as I do my best to balance family, photography, and everything in between.
– Rob & Gina
