MEET FORREST COLLINS
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My Story
When I was a kid there were so many things that felt out of reach. Success seemed to be for only other people and my future seemed predetermined. My father was sent to prison when I was 5. My mom struggled with addiction and wasn’t able to care for us. I was sent to live with my grandparents from kindergarten to 6th grade. In high school, I lived with different family members. Teachers would buy me food and clothes. Like so many other kids in difficult situations, I just needed a helping hand to change my life for the better.
It was public education that changed my life, and it continues to change the lives of children in Texas every day. It was my teachers and coaches who guided me and showed me what was possible as long as I was willing to put in the work. My life journey has instilled in me a passion to work toward giving children in our community every opportunity possible to find their passion and pursue their dreams.
I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and I am also a licensed Master Electrician. I serve as the president of our family electrical business I started. I was first elected to the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees in 2016 and I am incredibly proud of the work we have done to support students and teachers. It is an incredible honor to serve our community, and I am always humbled by the support. I am guided by the belief that if we want a better future for our children then we have a responsibility to go out into the world and make it a better place.
I met my wife Stefanie, who is an elementary school special education teacher, in high school and we have been together for over 24 years. Together we have two boys. Cash attends AMS and Ryder attends Vandagriff Elementary. As a family we love traveling, playing sports and cheering on our Bearcats!
Creating Change
I am passionate about encouraging citizens to be educated and engaged in government. Decisions are made by those who show up and I am proud of how our community continues to show up. I have worked to bring our community together to advocate for lower property taxes, better pay for teachers and getting rid of STAAR. Together we have been able to create change and together we will continue to mold a bright future for our children.
Community Involvement
When I am not running my business or serving as president of the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees, I have been a coach for Aledo Youth Football, Aledo Lions Club Basketball, YMCA, and FWYSA. I have been a mentor for the Aledo ISD Connections Program. I serve on the Parker County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. I am a proud supporter of the Aledo Education Foundation, Aledo ISD PTO, and Aledo AdvoCats.
MY Cancer Journey
In March 2021, I began experiencing pain in my left leg that would come and go—lasting for about a week before disappearing for a couple of months. After more than a year of this cycle, I decided to see a specialist. Initially, doctors suspected an infection in my femur bone. A needle biopsy came back inconclusive.
In August 2022, I underwent an open biopsy that revealed a rare cancerous tumor in my femur, known as sarcoma. It was so rare that there had only been 30 documented cases. What was supposed to be a simple day surgery turned into a two-week hospital stay. I wouldn’t walk without crutches for over a year.
I endured six rounds of chemotherapy, each lasting five days from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a two-week break in between rounds. I was often the first to arrive at the infusion center and the last to leave. Chemotherapy took a devastating toll on my body, and I frequently needed additional fluids and blood transfusions between treatments.
In February 2023, I underwent surgery to remove 40% of my femur, which was replaced with a rod and a prosthetic knee. A few months later a serious infection was discovered which led to four additional surgeries to rebuild my leg and prevent future infections. The recovery was long and painful.
As if the physical and emotional toll of cancer wasn’t enough, our family faced even greater heartbreak during this time. We lost Stefanie’s brother-in-law and mom to cancer in March and April 2023.
What got me through the fight of my life? My family, friends, and prayer. I’ve been a fighter my entire life, and I truly believe God wasn’t done with me yet. I needed to be there for Stefanie, Cash, and Ryder. I still had more to give to the world. There was more to do. Chemotherapy and antibiotics may have taken part of my leg and some of my hair, but they haven't taken my spirit.
Though the treatments, surgeries, and physical therapy were agonizing, the experience gave me a new perspective on life. It helped me realize what truly matters. It showed me how much time we waste on trivial things. If we aren’t working to make the world a better place for our children, then what are we really doing? While the experience has forever changed my life, I’ve been given a renewed energy to be a better father, husband, and community leader.
Whatever your struggle might be in life, I want you to know you are not alone. You can overcome. You go this!
