An interview with Daniel Hight I Have Cancer, Cancer Doesn’t Have Me on April 4, 2024.
Biography
42, husband, father, worked as a consultant until I had a seizure and was diagnosed that same day with a brain tumor. I was immediately scheduled for surgery to remove what they could.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I founded my company shortly after I was diagnosed with brain cancer to share my story to help inspire others, and also as a forum to have other inspirational people share their stories. My goal is to raise us up together – realizing we are not alone makes us stronger together. I also hope to break down the barriers and stigmas around important topics whether institutional, medical, social, personal, and help promote ways people can live happier, healthier and more active lives.
More Than Our Story is devoted to educating and promoting a healthy lifestyle. With articles focused on health, fitness, recipes, and about my personal journey with cancer, it was a way I could start giving back, and sharing. The cornerstone of this endeavor is undoubtedly the profiles – inspirational stories of the everyday heroes all around us. Not just those who have overcome insurmountable obstacles, or struggle with terrible diseases, I highlight people whose stories serve as inspiration to us all.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is helping inspire others to be brave, help them realize that we’re not alone and that’s it’s okay to be, feel and say that they are vulnerable. This has been a passion project of mine since I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent a subsequent resection operation the morning of January 13th, 2021. It was shortly afterwards that I learnt the name of my assailant: Astrocytoma (incurable, but treatable brain cancer).
What effect can it have on an individual with Cancer?
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing moment that brings a myriad of emotions and challenges – I know it was for me – but finding happiness and learning to embrace life with cancer is not only possible, it’s essential. Living with cancer is about more than just surviving; it may be difficult, but adopting a positive mindset and finding joy in every moment can significantly impact your well-being.
For those living with cancer I have the following points of advice: embrace positivity, build a strong support system, prioritize self-care, set realistic goals, express yourself, practice mindfulness and meditation, celebrate milestones, and seek professional help (especially grief counseling – not just for you, but also for those around you).
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
I hope More Than Our Story takes on a life of its own when I’m gone. That somebody, even people in general keep its founding principles alive through sharing their stories of bravery, resilience and compassion.
What events do you participate in?
I conduct interviews with heroes that I find, I am told about, or who seek me out. As I mentioned earlier, everyday heroes are not just those who have overcome insurmountable obstacles, or struggle with terrible diseases, it’s about who they are, what they stand for, and what they’ve endured that serves as inspiration to us all. I have my first public speaking date later this spring and have appeared on other people’s podcasts and interviews.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers endure these hardships along with the people they care for. Hearing these stories firsthand from these everyday heroes can help the caregivers relate to them, and by extension the feelings and emotions that the people they are caring for are enduring.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
My website is morethanourstory.com. I can be reached at daniel@morethanourstory.com.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Educate yourself on the topic before advocating for it, because misinformation can do more damage than well-intended advocacy can – that’s where the stereotypes that can become so entrenched in popular thought begin. Lift the veil and always advocate from a place of knowledge. Just take the first few steps, you will find your way. Talk to someone you know who is enduring any hardship, whether institutional, physical, mental, or interpersonal, and listen to what they tell you. Ask them how they would want to be helped, and start there.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Conviction, consistency, authenticity and making a personal connection with people, not only those who you advocate to, but those you advocate for.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for research?
A lot of foundations have their own channels where you can create your own fundraising events or donate directly to them, including The Canadian Cancer Society and American Cancer Society. Try creating a local event that’s inclusive of everyone and ask people to donate directly to the cause or the fundraising event you setup.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I make sure to eat well and get exercise daily. In fact I’m training for 4 triathlons this year: Ironman Eagleman 70.3, Ironman Musselman 70.3, Niagara Falls Barrelman, and Ironman Arizona. In addition to that I listen to my oncology team and follow all their recommendations including my current chemotherapy treatments which are scheduled through to early 2025. Prior to this I participated in a clinical trial and received combined radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
Why should people who don’t have Cancer care about this?
In my home country of Canada, every 3 minutes someone hears the words, “you have cancer” – and their lives are forever changed. According to the WHO, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. It not some unseen assailant – it’s all around us.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Cancer?
I have – my mother, father, aunts, and cousin have all battled it, and some have lost that fight.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the community, what would it be?
Share your story, listen to others, be vulnerable, authentic and open to new ideas – you will be surprised at how much ground we have in common.