Surviving Cancer, Feat. John Coffman

Living Strong with John Kaufman

In this blog, I want to share the incredible journey of my dear friend, John Kaufman. John has been living with a rare, incurable cancer for 25 years, far beyond the time his doctors expected. His life is not just about medical treatments or survival. It is about faith, resilience, and the daily decision to live fully in the face of uncertainty.

I remember when John told me that doctors had run out of treatment options. That moment could have been filled with despair, but John and his family made a conscious choice instead: they chose to live. They leaned into making memories, cherishing every day, and finding joy even in the hardest times. Later, when a non-FDA-approved chemotherapy became available, it slowed the progression of his cancer and gave him more time. But John is clear, medicine gave him months and years, while his mindset gave him life. He refuses to let cancer define him. Instead, he chooses to live as a husband, father, friend, and advocate.

Over the years, John has helped me see how people respond differently to a cancer diagnosis. Some give up almost immediately, retreating into despair. Others respond with anger, frustrated at the unfairness of it all. But John chose a different path, he decided to live with gratitude and purpose, no matter how much time he was given. That choice has shaped every single day of his life since, and it has inspired me in ways I can’t fully capture in words.

What stands out most about John is his commitment to community. Organizations like Livestrong gave him resources, but they also gave him connection. He now gives back by mentoring and supporting others who are newly diagnosed. I’ve watched how he encourages families and survivors, reminding them that even in the darkest hours, no one has to walk alone. Sometimes it’s a listening ear, sometimes it’s a piece of advice, and sometimes it’s simply showing up. Those small acts of care create hope where there was once only despair.

John has also taught me to value the small things. When you face mortality, the distractions fall away, and what really matters comes into focus. He often talks about how a sunrise, a bike ride, or a simple conversation becomes a treasure when you know time is fragile. Watching how he sees the world has changed the way I see my own life.

One of John’s most powerful insights is that survivorship begins the day of diagnosis. Too often we think of survivorship as being cancer-free, but John reminds us it’s really about how we live after hearing the words, “You have cancer.” It is about reclaiming your identity, living with intention, and refusing to let illness steal your hope or your joy.

At the heart of John’s story is choice. None of us can avoid pain, loss, or trials, but we can choose how we respond. John chooses faith, gratitude, and connection. He chooses to invest in others and to keep moving forward, even when the path is hard. That choice doesn’t erase the difficulty, but it transforms it into something meaningful.

John’s story has reminded me that his message isn’t just for those with cancer. It’s for all of us. We are all dying, whether slowly or suddenly, but the real question is how we will live in the meantime. Watching John’s journey has shown me that no matter the circumstances, we can choose to live strong, love deeply, and cherish every moment we’re given.

Key Takeaway:
We are all dying, but we can choose how we live. By deciding to embrace life, focusing on community, and appreciating the small things, we can live strong each day, no matter the circumstances.