ONTARIO — From painting superheroes for Six Flags to becoming one himself, Jeremy Fox’s greatest masterpiece might not hang on a wall — it’s the way he’s fighting for his life.
The 45-year-old Mansfield artist, best known for his vivid murals and carousel restorations at Six Flags amusement parks across the country, is now in the fight of his life against stage 4 colon cancer.
Fox, a 1998 graduate of Ontario High School, was diagnosed in March 2024 — just weeks after losing his mother to cervical cancer. What began as unexplained weight loss soon turned into a life-altering diagnosis.
“Jeremy has always had a creative, deep-thinking mind,” said his sister, Cassey Rini, 50. “Ever since he was a little boy, superheroes and art were his escape. He was good at it immediately.
“Teachers saw his talent and helped him grow it.”
That talent took Fox far — from painting hauntingly realistic sets for Six Flags’ Halloween events to restoring carousel animals and crafting superhero-themed park decor.
“I remember an amazing lion he did for the carousel,” Rini said. “It was magical. We were all like, ‘Oh my goodness.’ It was absolutely stunning.”
After his diagnosis, Fox began intensive chemotherapy at OhioHealth.
Despite the grueling treatments, he remained optimistic and found new meaning in his faith and family.
“He prayed that God would mold him and show him the way,” Rini said. “It was a scary prayer, but it became one of the greatest blessings. It was then that he said he finally started living.”
During his treatment, Fox began kayaking, riding motorcycles, reconnecting with family, and even hosting art therapy sessions for others — which later led to an article about him through OhioHealth.
But recently, Fox’s tumor began growing again, and local doctors said there was little more they could do.
Refusing to give up, Rini said he traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee, last week to pursue homeopathic and palliative care treatments — including sauna therapy, red light therapy, and holistic supplements aimed at supporting liver function.
Family and friends gathered in a church parking lot for a surprise send-off before his trip.
“He was so surprised and excited,” Rini said. “It reminded us how loved he is.”
Rini has since launched a GoFundMe to help cover the out-of-pocket costs of his ongoing care, which includes medical supplies, whole foods, and nursing visits while he’s out of state.
“The support from the community has been so positive, and I am absolutely grateful,” Fox said. “God goes before us and always provides. I am a very blessed man to have so many kind and loving friends.”
His cousin Aubrey Snow, a real estate agent at Sluss Realty and one of Fox’s biggest fans, said his art and heart are inseparable.
“Jeremy is my favorite artist in the entire world. Every piece he creates carries a piece of his soul. What blows my mind is that he’s completely self-taught, no art school, no shortcuts, just pure grit, talent, and passion,” Snow said.
“I’ve been his number one fan since day one. When Sluss Realty, my brokerage, started showcasing local artists, I knew instantly that Jeremy’s work needed to be on those walls.
“Despite fighting his own battles, he chose to donate every penny of his proceeds to help sick children. That’s who he is. That’s his heart. I love him more than life.”
Now, as Fox continues treatment in Tennessee, his faith remains unshaken.
“Being with family here, my hope is restored,” he said. “We are trying multiple protocols and new medicines to combat the cancer in my liver. I am optimistic — and the Lion of Judah within me is roaring.”
To donate to Jeremy, visit https://gofund.me/3edea746a