Legacy work in the cancer journey

Dr Nelia Drenth speaks about legacy work in the cancer journey and keeping your story alive.

When cancer enters your life, it often brings fear, uncertainty, and a sense that everything has suddenly been reduced  to appointments, scans, and treatment.      

In the middle of all this, it’s easy to feel as though the person (your personality, memories, and relationships) can be overshadowed by the illness. Legacy work is one way of gently bringing the focus back to who you are, what matters to you, and how your story continues to live on in the hearts of those you love.

This isn’t about preparing for death. It’s about honouring and celebrating life.

You are more than a diagnosis

Whether you’re living with cancer or supporting someone you love, you may find yourself thinking about questions that never felt urgent before:

• What do I want my children or partner to remember about me?
• What moments in my life truly shaped who I am?
• What values, lessons, or love do I want to pass on?

Legacy work creates space to explore these questions at your own pace, reminding you that your life is rich, complex, and meaningful, far more than this chapter of illness.

What is legacy work?

Legacy work is any intentional act that helps capture and share your story, voice, values, or love. It can be simple or creative, private or shared. There is no right or wrong way to do it. For some, legacy work might look like:

• Writing letters to children or loved ones where you express your love, wisdom, and hopes for them. 
• Recording voice notes or videos sharing stories, advice, or everyday memories. 
• Creating a memory box with photos, letters, or special objects. 
• Create a digital album filled with photos and memories that represent significant moments in your life. Include captions or short stories that accompany the images, sharing the memories behind them.

For others, it may be drawing, music, poetry, prayer, or storytelling. Sometimes, legacy work happens quietly, in moments of reflection or conversation, rather than in something tangible that can be held.

What matters most isn’t the outcome, but the meaning behind it.

Why legacy work can be healing

If you’re living with cancer, legacy work can bring a sense of peace and purpose. It allows you to look back on your life and recognise the impact you have had on the world around you. Many people find comfort in knowing that parts of themselves will continue to live on through shared stories and memories.

For family members, legacy work can be a gift that lasts far beyond the illness. 

These shared moments often become treasured memories in themselves.

It’s okay if this feels hard

Not everyone feels ready to talk about legacy, and that is completely okay. Some days, just getting through treatment or managing emotions is enough. Legacy work should never feel forced or rushed.

You may also find that strong emotions come up: sadness, love, regret, gratitude, or even laughter. All of these are part of the process. If   it feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do this alone. Social workers, counsellors, psychologists, and spiritual care providers are there to support you and your family through these conversations.

Keeping your story alive

Legacy work is about love, connection, and remembering that every life matters. Cancer  may change many things, but it doesn’t erase the story of who you are or the impact you have had on others.

By sharing memories, values, and love in the present, you’re keeping your story alive. And that story will continue to be told, remembered, and cherished long after this chapter has passed.

Dr Nelia Drenth is a palliative care social worker in private practice in Pretoria, Gauteng. She presents workshops on psychosocial palliative care and bereavement counselling and has a passion for social work in healthcare.

Header image by Freepik