Words always seem inadequate beneath the weight of something like childhood cancer. However, we know that words can bring comfort, hope, and relief in the darkest seasons of life. Whether you’re looking to share a word of encouragement with a cancer patient and their caregivers or you’re one yourself, we hope these quotes bring you some small measure of hope for tomorrow.

You are not alone.

12 Comforting Quotes for Kids with Cancer & Their Caregivers

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ― Maya Angelou

Trials and defeat are a natural part of life. Undoubtedly, this isn’t the path you ever wanted to walk. If you find yourself here, know that these challenges and defeats can bring out the strongest parts of you – if you allow it.

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca

There will be days when you feel hopeless. On those days, keep going. Live, even if it is the only thing you do. That in itself is courageous. 

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” ― Mary Anne Radmacher

You don’t have to be a beacon of inspiration throughout a cancer journey. You don’t have to put on a brave face. If you make it through today with hope for tomorrow, you have done enough. 

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ― Lao Tzu

Never underestimate the power of expressing love. Say it often; mean it sincerely. It means more than you will ever know. 

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

None of us know how much time we have, regardless of whether or not cancer is in the equation. All of us must make the most of each moment. 

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”― Shannon L. Alder

Those walking a cancer journey may feel alone and isolated. Reach out. There is never harm in a note of encouragement, a word of prayer, or a kind offer to help. 

“I can’t take back the past, but I can fight for the future.”― Shannon A. Thompson

If we could, we would all rewrite the past to rid our loved ones of cancer. Knowing we can’t, all we can do is face the future with courage and the will to fight! 

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” — C.C. Scott

You are always stronger than you think you are. 

“Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.” — Jim Valvano

Cancer doesn’t always come with a happy ending, but whatever cancer takes from you or your child, it cannot take away who they are – brilliant, unique, and loved.

“Yesterday is gone; tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today; let us begin.” — Mother Teresa 

It’s easy to dwell on the past and fear for the future. All we have is today. Put your heart and soul into the here and now. 

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” — Chuang Tzu

The trials we face may seem insurmountable. It may look like the end as you know it – but it doesn’t mean there aren’t beautiful things yet to come. 

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you’d ever imagined.” — A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

The takeaway we want you to hear is this: wherever you are in your cancer journey, whether you’re a patient or a caregiver, you are not alone. People love you. People are rooting for you. A care team wants you to overcome and thrive. 

No matter how you feel, this isn’t a journey you must walk alone!