How do you hold on to hope when cancer returns years later?
Meet Don, a two-time thyroid cancer survivor, CanCare volunteer, and ministry leader whose journey runs on faith, family, and service. His first diagnosis came at 22 after a biopsy led him from strep throat checks to major surgery in New England; years later, as a husband and father, he faced cancer again in Houston. Through both chapters, Don anchored to prayer, community, and a growing conviction that every day is a gift. He shares how a frightening diagnosis reshaped his priorities, deepened his relationship with God, and opened the door to unexpected love as he reconnected with Jeanette, now his wife of 34 years.
Don’s “but God” turning point led to action. He began encouraging fellow patients at the hospital, then launched a church ministry called HOPE—Healing Others through Prayer and Evangelism. Today, as a trained CanCare volunteer and Ambassador, he walks beside others so no one faces cancer alone. Listeners will hear practical ways to find courage, invite support, and keep perspective when responsibilities feel heavy. Don’s message is simple and strong: you are not alone, hope is real, and better days are ahead.
Highlights:
[02:42] – Finding strength through faith after a shocking diagnosis
Don shares how a simple sore throat led to a cancer diagnosis at 22 and how prayer, family, and his church community grounded him when everything changed.
[07:12] – What happens when you discover God is truly enough
During his second diagnosis years later, Don explains how his faith deepened and how he learned to trust God’s plan even when fear and uncertainty returned.
[14:58] – Why hope is more than wishful thinking
Don defines hope as “confident expectation” and shows how perspective and purpose can replace fear, even when circumstances don’t change.
[21:10] – Turning pain into purpose through service
After finding healing, Don began visiting other patients, then launched HOPE—Healing Others through Prayer and Evangelism—to help others walk through cancer with support and faith.
[28:55] – The lasting power of connection and laughter
Don and Darcie reflect on how encouragement, humor, and community keep hope alive, proving that no one should ever face cancer alone.
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare- www.cancare.org
Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook
About the Guest:
Don Williamson is a 2x cancer survivor, loving husband, father, and man of faith. First diagnosed at just 22 years old with Stage III thyroid cancer, Don’s journey through cancer strengthened his faith and led him to a love story he never expected. Years later, as a husband and father, he faced cancer again, which led him to create a ministry for others facing cancer. Today, Don shares his story to inspire others and volunteers with CanCare to support those who are walking a path he understands well.
Love the podcast? You’ll be moved by the book. The Hope in the Face of Cancer book shares inspiring, real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. Raw, uplifting, and full of heart—for anyone seeking hope and connection. Get your copy: cancare.org/hopebook.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.cancare.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
