Cancer survivor gets into the same Uber years later — only to learn her words helped the driver’s 12-year-old son fight his own battle
People often underestimate how deeply their words can affect someone else's life. A cancer survivor named Shanise shared a powerful story about a recent Uber ride that felt deeply personal and meaningful in ways she did not expect. In a Threads post shared on December 29, 2025, she recalled how the driver suddenly recognized her during the trip and brought up a memory from years earlier. The moment instantly became emotional as he connected her past words to a life-changing situation in his own family. She then posted the story under the handle @iamshanise after she reflected on their conversation.
During the ride, the driver looked back and said, “Oh my God, you look great!” before explaining that he had once driven her during her cancer treatment days. Shanise was surprised as he reminded her of something she had said back then: “My spirit and my body were two different things.” She had shared this mindset during her illness, focusing on staying mentally strong while trusting doctors with her medical care. The driver explained that this idea stayed with him long after that trip ended. He then shared that his 12-year-old son was later diagnosed with cancer, and he used her words to guide him through that difficult period.
He told his son to “focus on feeding his spirit and keeping it up,” while leaving treatment to the doctors. The conversation carried a deeper weight as the driver explained how those remembered words shaped the way he supported his son during his illness. He shared that whenever things became overwhelming, he would remind his child of the same idea, encouraging him to stay mentally strong even when the treatment process became difficult.
Before the ride ended, the driver expressed his gratitude again and asked if they could take a moment together. She revealed that his son was in remission. He thanked her for the words that stayed with him through the years. He then asked if they could pray together, and they shared a short prayer inside the car before reaching the destination. Shanise later mentioned that he dropped her off at the pharmacy where she was picking up her cancer medication, closing the moment on a quiet note. Her final words reflected her appreciation for that chance encounter, showing how “God really be Godin’” in ways that connect people across time.
Sometimes all someone needs is a few kind words. This is what one 9-year-old child named Cole Harr experienced when he was on his way to chemotherapy and feeling unsure about the long journey ahead. During a stop at Starbucks, his mother shared his story and asked the barista, “Could you tell Cole he’s going to kick cancer’s butt today?” The barista, Eddie Aldrete, looked at the boy and said, “You can do this. We are all rooting for you. We are all behind you. You are strong, and you’re going to do great,” giving him comfort. Their bond continued over time, and Cole later completed treatment and was declared cancer-free, while their friendship remained strong beyond the hospital visits.
For more wholesome stories, follow @iamshanise on Threads.
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