Survivor details cancer journey

In 2016, Dan Nicewonger ’90 was given less than two years to live.

Originally a series of blog posts, the book “The Journey Continues” follows his journey with stage IV colon cancer. He writes about learning to live with cancer, the effect of his diagnosis on his caregivers and the changes to his family and career.

“Over time, I began to see my cancer as a gift. I started looking for the graces that showed up each day. Brief moments of joy, the support of a stranger or friend, the very fact that I was living. Gift and grace, when you start to think about life in those terms, instead of what you deserve or are owed … it changes things,” he said.

He says he wrote the book for several reasons. He wanted to capture a piece of who he was for his grandchildren. He also wrote it for caregivers, including his wife Nancy (Parnell) ’90.

A diagnosis like this can turn your world upside down. It is my prayer that in some way they may find strength knowing that there is hope and joy to be found while on the journey,” he said.

Since graduating with a degree in Christian education at Messiah and later attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Nicewonger has held various roles within churches across the East Coast. He has recently stepped away from pastoring at First Baptist of Kennett Square to focus on his health.

“My cancer has challenged, strengthened and deepened my faith. I like the person I am today much more than I liked the pre-cancer Dan. It took the struggle to make me who I am. While I would gladly give up my cancer, I am thankful for how it has shaped me into the person I am today,” he said.

— Molly McKim ’23