Cancer Poem

Child Fighting Cancer Poem

This is in memory of a wonderful young boy who fought cancer for most of his short life. He was diagnosed with an Atypical Rhaboid Tumor of the brain at 11 months of age. He lived more in his 5 short years than any of us have in a lifetime. His spirit and love of life moved all of those around him, and we truly lost an amazing child to this terrible disease. Just a reminder to all of those reading to support your local Relay for Life fundraisers and help fight back. Thank You!!

Featured Shared Story

I have 2 really good friends who were diagnosed with cancer. It sucks. One girl was only 9 years old and fought. She won, but now has to take therapy.

Share your story! (18)

5 Years Old

Published by Family Friend Poems May 2008 with permission of the Author.

What would you do
in 5 short years?
Would you make them the most
or hide from your fears?
Our little Cory
chose to live
Every day with a smile
and love to give
Though stricken with cancer
before he was one
his journey through life
had only begun
No matter how bad
he might have felt
He always knew how
to make your heart melt
Living life to its fullest
Each day he Awoke
He could make you smile
Every time he spoke
He filled the room
with laughter and tears
And touched many lives
in his 5 short years

He had a surprise
if you took his hand
then walk you outside
to his baseball land
It was the game he loved
more than anyone you know
Once his bat in hand
He'd put on a show
He would talk of his pets
if you'd lend him an ear
or anything else
you'd take time to hear
There were no strangers
to Cory Duane
He cared for everyone
no matter their name
The most amazing child
for such a young man
He looked up to his father
---- His biggest fan
When he was picked up at school
he beat all the kids out
with his arms opened wide
"That's my Dad" he would shout

They would wait on his brother
before going home with Dad
And spend the whole weekend playing
with every toy he had
He would tease his brothers
in his superman Jammies
and rock his guitar
like those at the Grammy's
Course Nana and Papa
would often stop by
to see that their "Precious"
was doing alright
At the close of day
He'd ask "Pat my Butt"
Knowing you'd take time
no matter what
He fought hard to beat
the disease he had
And would never complain
of feeling bad
It's certainly not fair
the battle he fought
All those who knew him
took in what he taught
For those who missed out
on life's smallest lesson
We're sorry you missed out
on our biggest blessing
For someone so young
his heart was of Gold
You would never have known
he was just 5 years old

Stories 18
Shares 488
Favorited 21
Votes 788
Rating 4.68

Read More Cancer Poems

Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by AGNSoftball, McDonough GA
5 years ago

I have 2 really good friends who were diagnosed with cancer. It sucks. One girl was only 9 years old and fought. She won, but now has to take therapy.

by Hlengiwe
8 years ago

My daughter Zinhle Snethemba Nkabinde also lost the battle at only 14 months from Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor having been diagnosed at only 12 months, to this day my heart is still unable to accept what happened to my beautiful angel, every time I learn of a young life lost to this dreadful disease I feel very sad knowing that such beautiful souls have been taken from us who had their whole lives ahead of them that was stolen. May their beautiful souls rest in piece.

by Zuhaira Bradford
10 years ago

My best friends sister started limping for 9 weeks so we took her to a check up and they said she's fine but really she was really ill that she died a few days after they said that and she was only 2. She died with leukemia so the doctors were lying. She died at 8:00 in the morning in bed.

by Paige, Nebraska
10 years ago

This is what my aunt is going through, For you Natalie. In May 2011, Natalie was diagnosed with a exosketal myxoid chondrasarcoma, which is a type of sarcoma that ended up as a mass in her leg and was successfully removed through surgical intervention. Natalie had many clean check-ups in the following two years, until June 2013 when they found a spot in her lung where the original cancer had metastasized. In July, Natalie had this spot successfully removed through surgical intervention as well. In the past few months, Natalie has received some new diagnoses regarding her cancer, including some new spots in her spine and pelvis that have been causing her a great deal of discomfort. Recently, there has been a concern that she has a new mass in one of her kidneys. On Wed 11/13/13, Natalie had a rapid onset of new neurological symptoms, and was flown by helicopter to UMNC for further care. The doctors found a large tumor in Natalie's brain that is causing these new symptoms. She is currently undergoing surgery to have the tumor removed. The concern is that the tumor in her brain may be related to a completely different type of cancer, other than her original sarcoma. Your thoughts and prayers in the last 24 hours have been very appreciated. Natalie has a large circle of friends, and we know she appreciates all the support and guidance you have provided in the past 2 years. Due to the nature of her surgery, visitors will be limited at this time. You can best support Natalie by continuing to send your positive thoughts and prayers. Natalie has a wonderful group of family and friends here to support her... and they will also need your support as well. Her family is making many trips back and forth to Omaha and spending long hours away from their homes, and have all been greatly affected by Natalie's new diagnosis. In the coming weeks, we will have more and more information regarding Natalie's new treatment plan. Corey and Natalie have an adorable 5 year old son, Dietrich, who loves legos and snickers and will be needing play dates and lots of support as well while his mom and dad focus on their new fight.

by Gladys Odongkara, Kampala
11 years ago

Such a touching power poem. I lost my 9 year old son from osteosarcoma a month ago. I miss him so much and no single day goes by without my tears dropping. He was such a wonderful boy, so bright with very promising future. He died only 4 months after diagnosis! What a world!

by Morgan, Georgia
12 years ago

I met a boy named Dawson here recently. He's seven years old and loves superheroes. He was diagnosed with Leukemia when he turned six. But you'd never know it by his spirits. Your boy is even inspirational through your poem. My eyes are stinging with tears right now. But I don't regret it. Your poem was beautiful. My heart goes out to you! God bless. <3

by Taralynn, Albany
13 years ago

Wow I love this poem! I am about to burst out crying after reading the poem and all the stories. Great job, and I am so sorry about your son. I feel for you.

by London
13 years ago

How wonderful that Cory had such a special family and that his far too short years shed such love and light to those who had the pleasure to know and love him. I'm sure his beauty will one day ease your pain in a profound and inspiring way. Your Cory sounds amazing - so do you! Bless you all.
Alison

by Jonah
13 years ago

My little cousin Georgie has been fighting for nearly four years. Now he's got less than two weeks. He's nearly nine. When I asked what he thought about cancer, he said it's really inconvenient (<- did I spell that right :{D

by Random Girl
13 years ago

I am only 13 and I have already lost 2 very young relatives to cancer and this poem nearly made me cry. It made me remember what both of them were like so thank you for sharing it.

by Heidi Merendom
13 years ago

I just lost my 6 year old daughter to the same kind of cancer...it just breaks my heart. I miss her so much it hurts. The pain seem to never go away. Thank you for sharing your poem it really touched my heart.

by A True Friend
14 years ago

My best friend was diagnosed with Leukemia a few days ago and is going away to Hospital for 3 months. I'm praying every night that she is safe and I make sure I make her smile every day. This poem is so touching. X

by Kristen, Pennslvania
14 years ago

I just want you to know that at 7 months old my young brother was diagnosed with the same tumor. They said it was aggressive and survival was limited. They removed the tumor and gave him chemo and radiation to the brain. He was in remission for 4 years. Sadly last week we found out the cancer spread to his spine and it is inoperable. I hope to pass along courage and pride to all cancer patients and change the lives of many. I am truly sorry for your loss but I'm sure we can relate. If you ever need to talk I'm here and I've been through it now twice.

by Maira Lee
14 years ago

I was recently diagnosed with leukemia, like about 2 days ago. I have this boy who I love a lot but I don't really know how to tell him. I just told him I'm sick. I'm scared. I don't want to lose him nor my life. I'm only 17 and yet to finish high school. I don't want to die yet. I want to have children of my own. I want to have a family :( Why has god chosen this path for me? ...I believe in him I love him but why is this happening to me!

by Emily, USA
14 years ago

Wow this poem is beautiful. Reminds me a little of my sister...God bless this boy

by Meaghan Scott
15 years ago

My brother was 5 when he died of leukemia and now a very good friend of mine who is 12 is eating up with cancer and she only has a week to live. This story really touched me and it in a way makes me feel better just about really everything

by Camille
15 years ago

This is truly amazing. I'm crying right now, this is really very touching.

by Some guy..
16 years ago

Wow... just wow.... I just recently got told that this girl I love has been diagnosed with Leukemia... man this poem is great... really shows what a great parent you are, and what love can do to your life...

God bless you.