In December 2021, First Lady DeAngeloa Wells of Emmanuel Church in Portland, Oregon, was going through a routine health checklist when everything changed.
A phone call delivered a life-altering diagnosis: one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
“I was just checking my list, doing all the things that I do and whoa, I come back with this diagnosis of the most aggressive type of cancer there is,” Wells shared in a recent interview with K-LOVE's Crystal Thornton.
(Listen to the complete conversation with DeAngeloa Wells in the Podcast below)
Doctors discovered the cancer was growing at an alarming rate, about one percent larger each week and had already progressed to stage three.
Despite the devastating news, Wells kept the diagnosis private at first, choosing to protect her emotional space.
“At the moment, I only had enough emotional strength to manage my own emotions. I couldn’t manage other people’s emotions,” she said.
“I didn’t want any unwanted prophecies. I couldn’t handle people crying over me or putting me in the grave. I needed faith around me.”
Anchored in Psalm 23
As she began her 12 rounds of chemotherapy and prepared for surgery, Wells found unexpected comfort and renewed depth in the scriptures she had known all her life, especially Psalm 23.
“Psalm 23 came alive for me,” she reflected. “There were phrases that spoke to me differently during the journey. One of the first, ‘He maketh me to lie down.’
I was a mover and shaker, always busy. But He literally made me lie down in green pastures.”
God’s presence showed up in many ways, through strangers, moments of peace and small acts of kindness that reminded her she wasn’t alone.
“There were moments where my strength was weak, but I always trusted Him. I trusted Him the whole time. My life was literally in His hands. So there wasn’t a fight of faith—there was a strengthening of faith.”
A Moment of Vulnerability
One of the most emotional turning points came during a virtual seminary class titled Shame and Grace. At the time, Wells had lost her hair and was wearing a headwrap.
But during the Zoom call, she accidentally appeared on screen without it.
“In that moment, I decided I needed to confront my own shame,” she said.
She removed the wrap intentionally and told the class, “I want you to know I’m fighting cancer.”
What followed was silence… then tears… then prayer.
“My professor prayed over me. God turned a moment of shame into a space filled with His grace and glory.”
From Private Pain to Public Testimony
After completing chemotherapy, Wells felt prompted to share her journey publicly with her congregation.
The response was immediate and overwhelming.
“I can’t tell you how many texts, emails and phone calls I received from people who were so encouraged by the testimony,” she said.
“I can’t take any credit for it. There is nothing I could’ve done in myself—it was all Him.”
Joy on the Other Side
Today, Wells is cancer-free and living each day with new appreciation
“My grandchildren bring me joy—and they wear me out!” she laughed.
“Music brings me joy. Gardening brings me joy. When you’ve gone through a battle like this, everything brings you joy.”
A Word of Hope
To those walking through their own valleys, Wells offers this encouragement
“Allow the Lord to be your strength. Let Him be your hiding place. Let Him do whatever He wants to do in this moment of your life.
He brought me through. I sit here today, cancer-free. If He can do it for me, He can and will do it for you. Be encouraged.”
And finally, she emphasizes the importance of finding your people—your “they.”
“Surround yourself with those who love you, who can speak life over you and who can pick you up when you can’t do it for yourself.”
Even in the darkest seasons, First Lady DeAngeloa Wells’ story is a reminder that God is faithful—bringing healing, strength and joy beyond the valley.