Beloved Henrico mail carrier returns to his route after beating cancer

Willie Stone has spent over 40 years delivering more than just mail along the Pinedale Farms postal route in Henrico County.

"I love what I do, serving the community and serving the people," Stone said.

Stone has made each stop on his route feel less like a transaction and more like a visit from a friend.

"I get a chance to bring spark, to bring life, to bring joy," Stone said.

Neighbors along his route say the feeling is mutual.

"He makes you feel like you're not a stranger," one neighbor said.

But eight months ago, Stone found himself on the receiving end of devastating news. He became ill while on the job.

Doctors delivered a diagnosis that would change everything.

"They said, 'we think it's cancer.' It came back, and it was cancer," Stone said. "Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma ... a rare type of cancer."

Treatment kept Stone away from the route he loved for more than six months. The neighbors who had come to count on his daily visits took notice, sending well wishes that Stone says he felt throughout his recovery.

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