"Hearing this from my son who was 27, not yet married, no children was a great shock and a blow to me," said Eddie's mother, Esther.
Action News met up with Eddie during one of his chemotherapy treatments at the Cancer Treatments Centers of America.
"When I was diagnosed, I didn't know anything about it and I was completely depressed and pessimistic," Eddie said.
But he says strangers are helping him get through it. In fact, Eddie now has nearly 10,000 people - most he has never met - following him on Facebook, offering prayers and support.
He posts text and video updates on everything from his treatments to his current condition and even his personal life. He also chats with other cancer survivors and swaps information.
While Eddie has his real-life family to lean on, he says the barrage of "likes," comments and well wishes from his online family also help him stay positive.
"There might be a day when he feels a bit down. He goes on Facebook and talks to friends and he's fine," said Esther.
If you'd like you can find out more about Eddie, and about colon cancer, just follow this link to find him on Facebook.
Online:
"Eddie in Real Time" Facebook page
Eddie's profile on Cancer Treatment Centers' website
