FINDING PURPOSE BEYOND THE PROGNOSIS

In 2020, doctors delivered a devastating blow to John Dabell, telling him he might have only two months left to live. Six years later, in 2026, he is still here, redefining what it means to live with a terminal diagnosis.

John’s battle began back in 2009 when the former primary school teacher was diagnosed with advanced head and neck cancer. He endured a grueling 15-hour surgery that removed the tumor and much of his tongue, followed by intense chemotherapy and radiation. Everyday actions like speaking and eating became profound challenges, yet he persevered.

When an incurable Stage IV tumor returned in his throat in 2020, his outlook seemed bleak. However, immunotherapy helped control the disease, granting him precious time he never anticipated. Rather than waiting passively, John chose to take action. He integrated walking into his recovery, covering nearly five miles a day regardless of the weather.

Along his daily routes, John adopted a simple routine: picking up litter. Equipped with a trash grabber, he cleans streets and green spaces, deriving joy from helping his community and chatting with thankful neighbors.

John couldn’t control his diagnosis or his life expectancy, but he chose to control how he spent his remaining time. For him, meaning was found in keeping moving and leaving his small corner of the world better than he found it.