Here's Why Hope & Travel Change Everything for those Touched by Cancer

Written By Bart Berkey | Most People Don't

Today's message is a little different than our regular content.

Our podcast guest reminded me of some very important ways to help people that may have been "touched" by cancer (or chronic illness).

I didn't realize this was a term, but often any disease or illness is affecting more than just the "patient".

It affects spouses, children, siblings, relatives, friends, and yes co-workers and colleagues.

More than 50% of you reading this now, know someone who has had cancer (or chronic illness), you're not alone.

We often don’t know what to say when someone we love is facing cancer or any difficult diagnosis.

Do we ask, “How are you feeling?”

We already know their answer is difficult for them.

Or

Is there a better way?

When my father-in-law was sick with cancer, I deliberately decided to stop asking him about his symptoms.

As time goes on, especially when the end is near, the symptoms dramatically outnumber the good experiences & opportunities that life typically offers daily.

Instead, I would talk with him about the news, the weather, the past...

“Remember when you taught the grandkids how to make noodles?”

It shifted his focus, even for a moment.

From "Sickness" to "Memory."

From "Illness" to "Living."

That’s exactly what this week’s podcast guest, Teresa Rohr, believes in.

Teresa is a Cancer Aware Travel Advisor (I didn't realize this was a travel advisor specialty, did you?)

Her focus is helping families touched by cancer.

She enables people to discover resources that enable them to continue to live fully, travel safely, and create memories that will outlast their diagnosis.

Her message is simple but profound:

• Life doesn’t pause because of illness.
• Memories matter more than things.
• We can all do what Most People Don’t, lead with kindness, empathy, and care.

Most of us know already know people touched by cancer or chronic illness.

Nearly 60% of workers have either personally experienced a serious health condition or have a close family member who has, according to the Harvard Business Review.

Yet, a study by Cancer and Careers found that only 41% of employees felt their workplace was “very supportive” during or after a cancer diagnosis.

Building a culture of empathy at work by proactively offering flexibility (#BeBamboo), emotional support, and open dialogue creates proven benefits: higher employee loyalty, reduced absenteeism, and stronger team morale.

Simple acts, like checking in without focusing on symptoms, providing time off for treatment or caregiving, and creating a judgment-free, inclusive environment make team members feel valued, supported, and more engaged at work.

How can travel help?

Shifting focus from illness, such as cancer or other difficult diagnosis to creating positive memories, meaningful conversations, or enjoyable activities is critical for mental well-being because it helps reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.

According to the American Cancer Society, up to 45% of cancer patients experience significant psychological distress, but engaging in positive, non-illness-related experiences is linked to a 30% reduction in reported depression and an overall improvement in quality of life.

Redirecting conversations from symptoms to moments of joy or reminiscence fosters hope, strengthens relationships, and reminds both patients and loved ones that identity is not defined by illness.

Teresa and my conversation will remind you:

Keep traveling.
Keep living.
And yes, keep teaching the grandkids how to make noodles or whatever your legacy may include.

Why?

Studies show that travel offers significant emotional and relational benefits for cancer patients, caregivers, and families.

According to an AARP survey, 47% of caregivers report enhanced emotional well-being, while 32% find mental clarity.

Traveling together not only creates lasting memories but also reduces feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, supporting overall quality of life during a cancer journey (McKnight’s Senior Living, 2024; American Cancer Society, 2025).

For many, these shared moments provide a vital respite from treatment routines, reminding everyone affected by cancer or chronic illness, including patients & loved ones.

Life’s meaningful experiences can and should continue, despite diagnosis.

What does this have to do with your work?

In business you can move from “sales are down” to “where can we grow?”

Here's how you can apply these life lessons.

• Shift conversations from problems to possibilities
  Instead of focusing on what’s broken, redirect toward hope, solutions, or shared vision.
• Create emotional connection through memories
  Clients and colleagues remember how you made them feel. Use stories, shared experiences, and human connection to build trust that lasts longer than data or reports.
• Overdeliver with empathy
  Teresa doesn’t earn extra by arranging special accommodations—but she does it because it matters. At work, the extra call, note, or gesture often means more than the contract itself.
• Lead with “Keep Living” energy
  Bring optimism to your team and clients. Remind them that today’s challenges don’t define tomorrow’s opportunities. Help them see beyond the immediate stress and focus on what truly matters.

The professional takeaway is clear:

Most people don’t reframe, connect emotionally, or overdeliver with empathy. But YOU can.

While most people shy away from the tough conversations or stick to surface-level check-ins, as a leader, I encourage you to go deeper.

Being present, redirect focus, offer real support, and encourage your team to living fully, no matter the circumstance.

This newsletter will remind you that Most People Don’t always respond with empathy, and that is a missed leadership opportunity.

I hope this newsletter inspires you to lead with humanity, hope, and to encourage anyone that you know that is "touched" by cancer or chronic illness to keep traveling and living, regardless of life’s challenges.

For More Inspiration:

🎧 Listen to This Week’s Episode #200: Teresa Rohr, Travel Designer at Pink Pineapple Travel Co, Keep Traveling, Keep Living, Helping Families Touched by Cancer.

Be Better, Feel Better, Do Better, and Live with Greater Impact.

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Wishes, Inc. connects real people with real needs to brands, donors, and a community ready to do good. They help make dreams a reality, amplifying generosity, one wish at a time.

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Each week, I sit down with leaders who share unfiltered wisdom and actionable insights, so you can too.