Emotional Health Can Play a Role in the Cancer Journey
- More than a decade ago, country star Toby Keith, 61, ushered in a memorable performance of "American Soldier" that's still talked about today. He reunited a military wife with her deployed husband before an emotional crowd.
- Keith has a long history of supporting military troops and their families around the world. His patriotism has been a source of inspiration for many of his biggest hits.
- Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021, but he's not letting the disease stop him from the joys in his life such as his music and supporting causes he's passionate about.
- Experts tell SurvivorNet that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes. Sometimes your favorite activities bring you the joy you need to boost emotional health and help improve your overall prognosis.
Country singer Toby Keith, 61 who is currently living with stomach cancer never misses a chance to honor brave military members and their families.
His patriotism and support for courageous service members inspired many of his biggest hits, including "American Soldier." Keith's supportive fans recently resurfaced one of his more memorable performances where he reunited a military wife with her husband who had been deployed in Afghanistan.
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"We're going to do this song for my father and for Major Pete Cruz," Keith said.
With his red solo cup in hand, Keith sang one of his most patriotic hits.
"I'm an American soldier…Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand," the award-winning singer belted out alongside Mrs. Cruz who joined in for the chorus.
Then as Keith asked his stage crew for a different guitar decorated in the stars and stripes, Major Pete Cruz rushed on stage to embrace his wife. The crowd erupted in applause.
"She didn't know he was coming in tonight," Keith said revealing the sweet surprise gesture was in the works all along.
Keith has spent decades of his life supporting the troops and their families. He's visited and performed on military bases around the world, lifting the spirits of service members. Since 2002, Keith has performed in 17 countries for U.S. troops, according to the United Service Organization, a non-profit that supports troops.
Just two years after sharing his big stage with the Cruz family, Keith was awarded the Spirit of the USO Award in 2014 for his dedication to U.S. service members.
Turning Adversity into Inspiration
Keith's benevolence is undeniable alongside a staunch commitment to supporting the military, he also supports children battling illnesses including cancer. The issue hits close to home for the beloved country singer who has battled stomach cancer since 2021.
Although Keith has not revealed many details on his cancer journey, soon after his diagnosis, he told Country Music Television in an interview, "I need a little bit of time to just rest up and heal up."
Over the last year and a half, he's been doing just that focusing on his health. Earlier this month, supportive fans learned Keith was "getting stronger every day" in a tweet.
The brave singer underwent six months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. He had to cancel scheduled concerts following his diagnosis so he could focus on his recovery.
Talked to Toby yesterday. He's feeling good and getting stronger every day! Looks like he's slaying the slabs too! #crappiefishing #fishingtackle #luckestrike #tobykeith #lures #fishing #swimnminnow #usa1 #tackle #slabcrappie #luckebug pic.twitter.com/sTKV6SqTVR
Luck E Strike (@luckestrike_) June 18, 2023
While he battles stomach cancer in his personal life, Keith continues to inspire many people who are touched by his positive fighting spirit. He even christened the winning Oklahoma University women's softball team with a celebration by lending his voice to his signature hit, "How Do You Like Me Now?!"
It's clear giving back through his music is something that brings Keith joy to life. SurvivorNet experts recommend cancer patients focus on what brings them joy as it can improve emotional health.
WATCH: Dr. Dana Chase explains how emotional health plays a role in the cancer journey.
"We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes," Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, previously told SurvivorNet.
"If that's related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities," Dr. Chase added.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you're battling cancer or on the other side of it, and you're struggling to find the joy in life, here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor:
- What can I do if I'm struggling to be thankful for what I have in my life?
- Are there local resources for people wishing to improve their mental health?
- What else can I do to help reduce my stress level during my cancer journey?
- It's difficult for me to find happiness and joy. How can I find help?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
