A terminally ill tech executive’s final farewell message went viral on social media after he shared that he was entering a hospice.
US-based James Butts, who worked at US logistics giant Postmates, urged his followers to “be kind” and “be decent humans” in a post on X that has garnered nearly 13 million views (and counting ) since it was shared on November 13.
James shared that he was beginning end-of-life treatment after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, as his heartbreaking message struck a chord with thousands of X users.
He wrote: “Today I enter a palliative care center. It will probably be updated (very) little or not at all.
‘But I wanted to say that you be kind, that you are brave, that you have principles, that you are idealistic.
“The most important thing is to be a decent human being.”
The post received almost 200,000 likes and 8,000 comments from people around the world in less than 24 hours.
She ended her touching message by saying, “I love that we exist together, in this moment.”
Terminally ill tech executive James Butt’s final farewell message went viral when he shared that he was moving into hospice care.
James, a US resident, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last September.
The simplicity of his powerful reflection seemed to resonate with hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom do not know James personally, but felt compelled to thank him for sharing their journey and wish him a “peaceful transition.”
A message on X said: ‘I don’t know you, but your message moves me. I send strength to you and your loved ones.’
Another person wrote: ‘We don’t know each other but your post appeared on my feed for a reason.
‘I hope I can make even a small difference in your day by sending you this message.
“I wish you much strength and healing.”
A third X user added: ‘Even though it’s been two seconds since I’ve met you, I love that we exist together too.
‘I send you strength, prayers and lots of love.’
Another person praised James for his “remarkably brave” decision to share his cancer journey with the world, adding, “If I was in your neighborhood, I’d bring you soup, or bourbon, or whatever you wanted.”
She has been documenting her cancer journey on social media, trying different treatments and expressing gratitude for the love and support she has received.
One X user said James’ message “hits him even more knowing his situation,” referring to his cancer diagnosis.
Another suggested that his “reflection on one’s destiny is an important insight into human nature,” while a third added: “What a reminder to treat each day as a gift and take nothing for granted.”
Others promised to “live up to the standards” James described in his “message of kindness.”
“You’re one of the first people I’ll go look for when I get there,” one person told James. ‘My prayers are for a comforting and meaningful time in this process.
“A lot of good things can happen during this period.”
Some of James’ former colleagues at Postmates also took the opportunity to send him a message, with one person writing: “You have handled this horrible disease with tremendous bravery and dignity.”
Others shared their contact details “if you ever want to talk to someone” while posting book recommendations and “end-of-life planning” resources to help you on your journey.
“It’s been an honor, James,” a simple but touching message was addressed to the cancer survivor.
The simplicity of his powerful reflection on life and loss resonated with hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom did not know James personally, but felt compelled to thank him for sharing their journey and wish him a “peaceful transition.”
According to James’ LinkedIn profile, he was senior vice president of leading products and design at Postmates for nearly six years.
He is also listed as one of the co-founders of OrderAhead, an online food delivery app acquired by Square Inc in 2016.
James first shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer in an Instagram post last September.
“September was a cancer diagnosis and cakes,” her caption read. “I recommend you skip the cancer and just buy the cakes.”
In June this year, James said he had started new treatment for stage 4 colon cancer, adding that “so far it looks positive.”
By that time, he had completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy and had surgery, while exercising “more consistently” and taking up new hobbies like tennis.
His viral X post on Nov. 13 was accompanied by a video message on James’ Instagram Stories, explaining that his health had worsened over the past week and that he was starting to receive palliative care.
He revealed that “a lot of my blood tests came back very wrong” and that he had no more treatment options left to try.
Some of James’ former colleagues at Postmates also took the opportunity to send him a message, with one person writing: “You have handled this horrible disease with tremendous bravery and dignity.”
“I’m going into hospice to finish the rest of my days comfortably and surrounded by people I love,” James said.
“In no way do I think this is a lost battle, if anything it’s a draw,” he continued with a slight smile.
‘When I die, my cancer dies with me.
“So all we can do is move further, right?” James continued. ‘I just want everyone to know, everyone who has said kind things or been kind throughout this whole journey, that I love you and I appreciate it.
“To the people who can’t find the words, I still love you and I still appreciate you.”