"You'll never catch me dying": living with stage four cancer. | Jen Sotham | TEDxVeniceBeach

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Published 2018-06-01

When something awful happens, most of us ask WHY ME, as in, what did we do to deserve this? But maybe we're looking at this question from the wrong angle. Writer Jen Sotham turns the question around, reimagining "why me?" as "giving the gift of me", and finding astounding power and purpose and comfort as she lives with stage four cancer. Her cancer may kill her, but you'll never catch her dying. For more visit Jen's blog jenvscancer.wordpress.com/ This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)

@stevedemas5524 1 year ago

I stayed off the internet when diagnosed stage 4 lung, liver, kidney, spine both shoulders and left hip 2/9/2015. I am in year 7.5. If your reading this there is hope. Her words are genuine and she speaks her truth. Walk in faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
@cfrewer6948 4 years ago

Thank you, from a stage 4 lung,palliative care patient. Yes, I'm alive, so time I start living. Hugs.
@NYERIC14 5 months ago

I grew up with Jen. She was an amazing speaker in school as a kid too. I will miss Jen.
@joenisnapje712 1 year ago

I’m sorry to learn you passed away in 2017 Jen. Your blog (and therefore your words) will live on. Reading on how much you loved doing this Ted talk (and the pain it took) makes you a winner… with a smile on your face and song in your heart. Your light will be sadly missed. My condolences to all who knew and loved you.
@emilynubile5541 1 year ago

It's a struggle but acknowledge what you can do, I'm 37 yrs old and had stage 3 Colon cancer but am doing stable. So grateful for you 💓
@goldschool9050 2 years ago

I just starting living my life at age 46. I get it now. Count your blessings. Don't worry about things out of your control. Be honest. Be kind. Listen to your body. It will tell you when it's thirsty, hungry and most important, tired. Simply, take care of yourself.
@n.c.467 1 year ago

God bless her for the way she cared about others even in the midst of her life and drath struggle. May she rest in Peace!
@stephenherman8067 2 years ago

One of the bravest people I've ever known. Miss you Jen! ❤️
@dianagavin2110 3 years ago

Today, every moment is emotional, and I cherish each one. My husband and children are the most important people in my life. My child’s spring concert brought me to tears because I knew I was so lucky to be there.
@joeldecoster8816 4 years ago

when mum has cancer, everyone has cancer.The family falls apart and the suffering and hardship, fear and anxiety, poverty and hopelessness is a cancer in itself.
@counsellor4jobinterviews551 2 years ago

Wish I had the same fighting spirit you had...having lost my son, his wife and his best friend in an accident in Dallas in February, 2020. Still, I have to keep on living and fighting...like you did.
@h.l.phillips3175 4 years ago

Amazing. Amazing lady. RIP. My friend took similar strong intelligent,. non conventional approach to motor neurons disease. I can't tell you how proud I was and how he eased the burdens of those who dearly dearly loved him. Amazing. This lady jus said it all. An angel with a message. 💚💗💚
@haniani4694 4 years ago

What a brave sharing!! Rest in Peace.. You are no longer in pain and sad with the fight in search for the cure.. Cancer took my sister too.. But we are sure to meet again in Heaven... For the family (and your dog) that are left behind.. I am sorry for your loss.. My prayers are for you
@MrKaycleans4u 4 years ago

Wow you caught my attention. I'm a 3 time Cancer patient I'm so inspired by your words. God bless you.
@dreadeddennis 8 months ago

This is a terrific legacy and good advice. Glad I saw this.
@olgakanago3462 1 year ago

I’m undergoing tx for stage 4 uterine cancer, spread to my lungs. Had hysterectomy and 6 chemo txs. Have hope and a lots of praying.
@juliemitchell3013 1 year ago

You may not be here to read this little comment. But lady, you branded on my very soul. I love you for that xxxxc
@renataloren2384 3 years ago

WIOW Extremely powerful!!! We should all listen to this beautiful women’s message. There are people dying to live and others that don’t appreciate life at all. RIP BEAUTIFUL ANGEL 👼 You will never be forgotten!! 😍💙💕♥️💙❤️💜♥️💙❤️
@queencat59 4 years ago

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian cancer last month and her words ring true. Brava!
@ralphpecca2872 4 years ago

I would hope that I can face my stage 4 cancer as bravely as Jen. God Bless and thank you fine lady for the hope that you give to those who follow you.