Cancer survivor John Dalby shares strength and faith with those who need it most

“I can’t tell you how fantastic the people at the Cancer Care Center are, how helpful they were. They were always there. I didn’t meet anybody that I didn’t think was wonderful.”

In the newly unveiled mural outside the Providence St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Care Center, John Dalby wrote “This is a blessed place of hope.” The “Wall of Hope” mural gives patients in remission a place to write messages of encouragement for others to see as they receive their treatments, and John is a remarkable example of faith, optimism and the power of community support. 

John’s journey began with perplexing symptoms, including severe headaches triggered by coughing, bending over, or even laughing, and a painful eye infection. Despite inconclusive tests, his medical team’s determination to seek answers led them to discover the underlying cause: leukemia. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a grueling battle against a relentless disease. 

Following two rounds of chemo, almost daily blood transfusions, cardiac A-fib episodes, and a 52-day hospital stay, John proudly shares, “They called me a medical miracle! I should have died three times in there.” 

Throughout his ordeal, John found solace and strength in the unwavering support of health care professionals at Providence St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Care Center. From dedicated physicians like Russell Hardy, M.D., to compassionate nurses like Beckie McCanless, RN, he experienced firsthand the profound impact of personalized care and genuine empathy.  

“I can’t tell you how fantastic the people at the Cancer Care Center are, how helpful they were,” John says. “They were always there. I didn’t meet anybody that I didn’t think was wonderful.”  

John still gets choked up when telling a truly incredible story about his bone marrow transplant. Years ago, through his Rotary Club, he started raising money with his good friend Nyle Henderson for Project Share a Life, an organization committed to helping people find bone marrow matches for transplants. When the time came when he needed his own transplant, the registry had grown so large that he had 17,000 donor matches. “I remember how excited my doctor was because they were going to be able to pick out the perfect donor for me,” John says.  He had a successful bone marrow transplant on March 29, 2022.  

Despite facing adversity, John’s faith remained unshakable, serving as a guiding light through the darkest of times. His heartfelt gratitude toward the Providence St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Care Center reflects not only the exceptional care he received but also the profound connections forged during his journey.  

“When challenges hit, whatever they are, you’re either going to grow closer to God, or you’re going to reject it,” John says. “I grew closer and closer. And I had a relationship in that hospital bed that I’ve never been able to duplicate. This experience has strengthened what I already knew my purpose was.”  

As a keynote speaker at a recent American Cancer Society dinner, John shared his story of survival, offering hope and inspiration to countless individuals touched by cancer. His unwavering faith, resilience and commitment to service serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of community support and the indomitable human spirit.