Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs with your host Dawn Klem, where we explore life’s unexpected journeys with honesty and compassion. Today, I share the remarkable story of my patient and dear friend, David, who defied expectations after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at 27. He navigated his illness with unwavering independence, researching treatments and traveling across the country for care. Against medical advice, he built a life filled with love, marrying the woman he cherished and raising three daughters.

David’s journey intertwined with my own as I faced the painful reality of my mother’s terminal pancreatic cancer. Our shared struggles created a bond that deepened through profound moments—some uplifting, others heartbreaking. Through his resilience, David taught me lessons in strength, kindness, and the power of advocacy.

This episode reflects on his extraordinary life, the obstacles he overcame, and the impact of compassion in the face of hardship. It also explores a moment that tested my own faith—when my search for a spiritual home led me to an unsettling church experience, forcing me to reevaluate my path.

Join me in honoring David’s legacy and contemplating the ways in which kindness changes everything.