Craig Melvin's Mom Rings Cancer Bell After Diagnosis

Craig Melvin experienced a poignant moment live on the Today show on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. His mother, Betty Jo Melvin, rang the bell to mark the completion of her breast cancer chemotherapy. This event occurred just as a touching segment about a granddaughter surprising her grandmother after chemotherapy aired.

Betty Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2025 following a routine mammogram. The diagnosis was unexpected, and she found it difficult to share the news with her sons, given the family history of cancer. Her youngest son, Lawrence Meadows, tragically passed away from colon cancer in 2020.

Craig Melvin has since become a dedicated advocate for colorectal cancer screenings in his brother's memory. He previously honored his mother on her birthday in 2023, calling her the "rock" and "glue" of their family. Recently, Craig and his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, enjoyed a family vacation in South Carolina with Betty Jo and other relatives.