What Cancer Cannot Do

Although great strides have been made to treat this disease, recovery or learning to live metastatic is a long, arduous, and painful daily task. Cancer takes much, but it cannot take everything. It cannot take hope, love, faith, courage, joy, or the essence of who you are. No matter what cancer tries to do, we stand firm in the truth of what it cannot do.

Love is deeper than any diagnosis. It is found in the warm embrace of a friend, in the laughter shared over memories, and in the unwavering support of those who stand beside us. Cancer cannot erase love—it only strengthens it, making every moment more precious.

Cancer Cannot Shatter Hope

Hope is not a fragile thing. It exists in the quiet belief that tomorrow can bring something good, in the determination to keep going despite the struggles, and in the resilience of the human spirit. No matter how tough the journey, cancer cannot take away hope.

Cancer Cannot Destroy Faith

Faith—whether in a higher power, in the strength within ourselves, or in the goodness of others—is untouchable. It is the anchor that holds us steady when the storm rages. Cancer may challenge faith, but it cannot destroy it.

Cancer Cannot Silence Courage

Every person facing cancer is a warrior. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to fight even when fear is overwhelming. Whether it's showing up for treatments, speaking our truth, or simply facing each day, cancer cannot silence the courage that lives within us.

Cancer Cannot Steal Joy

Even in the hardest moments, there is still laughter. There is still beauty in a sunrise, comfort in a favorite song, and joy in the love of family and friends. Cancer may change the way we experience life, but it cannot take away our ability to find happiness in the little things.

Cancer Cannot Define Us

A diagnosis is just a part of our story—it is not the whole story. We are more than cancer. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends, dreamers, and fighters. Cancer cannot define who we are or dictate the meaning of our lives.

Dan Richardson lost his battle with cancer, but his life demonstrated that even though the physical body may be destroyed by disease, the spirit remains triumphant. His words spoke to my heart so deeply. It reminds me that there is so much more to my life than cancer. It has definitely put limitations on my life that I struggle with daily. However, when I think of the love, hope, faith, peace, confidence, friendships, memories, courage, and soul-enhancing people that cancer has brought into my life, I know that there is way more that cancer cannot do when it barges into our lives uninvited.

This poem was distributed at Dan's memorial service:

Cancer is so limited ...

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot eaT away peace,

It cannot destroy confidence,

It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot shut out memories,

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot reduce eternal life,

It cannot quench the Spirit,

It cannot lessen the power of resurrection.