At 16, I Was Diagnosed With Stage 4 Liver Cancer, It Became the Greatest Blessing of My Life with Cannon Van Daele | Ep89  

September 22, 2026

What happens when the life you planned is taken away—and you discover a hope that cannot be taken from you?

In this episode of *Leveraging Success*, Jeff Gerhardt sits down with Cannon Van Daele for a conversation about faith, identity, and finding hope through suffering. Cannon shares his experience of being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer at 16, when baseball and dreams of playing at the highest level shaped his future. He describes how losing familiar foundations led him to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and discover a new understanding of success.

Together they explore gratitude during treatment, the difference between what we want and what we need, and the challenge of surrendering control. Cannon shares how baseball prepared him to face setbacks, why vulnerability became a source of strength, and how family and friends have supported him. The conversation also explores his generation’s search for meaning, sharing faith authentically, and his desire for others to find hope through his story.

In This Episode:

[00:00] Episode Opening

[00:53] Baseball, Ambition & Life Before the Diagnosis

[06:02] A Cancer Diagnosis at 16 & Finding Stability in Jesus

[11:47] Growing Faith & Finding Meaning Through Suffering

[15:05] Treatment Setbacks, Gratitude & Unexpected Joy

[20:01] Choosing Your Response & Turning to Scripture

[23:27] Redefining Success & Moving Beyond the Chase for More

[28:40] Surrendering Control & Trusting God with Outcomes

[31:42] Baseball Lessons in Resilience & Community

[36:40] Humility, Vulnerability & the Strength to Ask for Help

[39:19] Encouragement for Hard Seasons & Leaving a Legacy

[44:09] Reaching His Generation with Authentic Faith

[48:48] Prayer for Healing, Loved Ones & Listeners

Total runtime: 52:36

Our Guest

Cannon Van Daele is a young Christian whose experience with cancer reshaped his identity, ambitions, and faith. A baseball player who loved the pressure of pitching as a closer, he now shares how his relationship with Jesus sustains him through treatment and uncertainty. Through his testimony, he hopes to encourage others, point them toward Christ, and help them recognize the value of faith and community.

Notable Quotes

“I finally found stability in the Lord.” — Cannon Van Daele

“Oftentimes what we want is not what we truly need.” — Cannon Van Daele

“This is a setback, but it doesn’t mean I can’t come back.” — Cannon Van Daele

“I think strength is humility.” — Cannon Van Daele

“Stripped of what we want, we find what we need.” — Jeff Gerhardt

“Feelings are terrible masters, but excellent servants.” — Jeff Gerhardt

Resources & Links

Cannon Van Daele

TikTok — cannonswalkwithchrist

https://www.tiktok.com/@cannonswalkwithchrist

Jeff Gerhardt