Newlywed wife diagnosed with cancer, expecting first baby

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – A fundraiser is underway for a newlywed couple whose lives have temporarily been turned upside down. 

21-year-old Irene (Moore) Evans and her husband, James, got married on August 22. 

The Decatur County couple didn’t expect what life would bring them just a month later. 

Irene was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Grade B Cell Lymphoma in late September. 

They are also expecting their first child. 

“Irene and James are a wonderful couple with deep faith and are desperately praying that their child can make it through everything and that they can keep the child, come what may,” family members said. 

Irene has been in the hospital and James has been by her side. He’s used all of his paid time off and FMLA. 

She’s been undergoing chemotherapy and has her next appointment this Friday. 

Her family describes her as a true warrior and Irene is guided by her faith through this difficult journey. 

Their church has established an online fundraiser and any donations will go directly to Irene and James for medical and normal bills.

"Although they would not ask for more then your prayers. We know they need support. This is a tough battle," the church said.

You can access the online fundraiser by clicking this link.

Irene is a North Decatur graduate who earned a Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences from Purdue this past August. 

We’ve come to know Irene as an incredibly giving person. She has supported numerous local initiatives and was also the founding member of the Pet Rescue Club at Purdue. Read that story here.

We first met Irene when she was crowned Decatur County Fair Queen in 2023. Watch that video by clicking here.