Postmates executive enters hospice, shares message: ‘Be kind, be brave’

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James Butts, the former senior vice president of product & design at Postmates, shared heartfelt reflections amid his battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer.

His emotional message, posted on X on November 13, has gone viral, touching thousands as he prepares to enter hospice care.

"I’m entering hospice today. Will probably update very little, if at all," he said in a post. "But I wanted to say: be kind, be brave, be principled, be an idealist. Most importantly, be a decent human. I love that we existed together, in this moment of time."

Butts first disclosed his cancer diagnosis on Instagram in September 2023. His recent updates revealed the progression of his illness, with Butts now facing the end of treatment options.

He elaborated further in videos shared on his Instagram Story, offering insight into the dramatic turn his health has taken.

"A week ago, things took a bad turn," Butts explained, according to PEOPLE. "My liver levels were off, my blood work came back really bad."

Butts went on to describe how his body is changing due to the progression of the disease, noting jaundice as his liver function declines.

Despite his grim health, he said, "In no way do I think this is a lost battle. If anything, it’s a tie. When I die, the cancer dies with me. So all we’re gonna do is move forward, right?"

His messages have sparked an outpouring of support and admiration from people around the world, many of whom have never met him but have been deeply moved by his courage and perspective.

FILE: Colon carcinoma x-ray.(Credit: BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)

"Even though it’s been all of two seconds that I’ve known you, I love that we existed together too ," one user wrote.

Another social media user said, "Sending you strength, prayers and much love. We don’t know each other but your post popped up on my feed for a reason. I hope I can make even a little bit of difference in your day by sending this message. Wishing you great strength and healing."