Welcome to David's Legacy

Turning suffering into service.

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David Robert Oakes

July 19, 1987 – Nov 27, 2018

When we lost David, the world lost a bright light. He was a son, a brother, a husband, and a friend who lived his life with an open heart and an outstretched hand.

Even on his hardest days battling cancer, Davi18d was always looking for ways to lift others up and stay positive. He taught us that true strength isn't just about fighting your own battles—it's about having the courage to help others fight theirs.

We created David's Legacy not just to remember him, but to bless the lives of others who are suffering.

With love,

A Note From David's Family

DAVID'S FAMILY

Why David's Legacy Exists

To extend David’s legacy, and to make sure his life, and everything he endured, continues to bless others, our family created an annual giving initiative in his name.

Each year, on the anniversary of David's passing, friends, family, and people who loved him come together to raise donations for someone in need. Our hope is to answer the prayers of someone who needs a miracle.

Help us keep David's legacy alive!

Meet David Oakes

David was a man defined by his infectious laugh, his unwavering faith, and his profound love for his family and friends. He had a unique ability to make everyone he met feel like the most important person in the room.

"He lived more in his 31 years than most people do in a lifetime. His secret was simple: he loved deeply and served willingly."

Even when faced with stage 4 brain cancer, he chose gratitude over bitterness, and hope over despair.

David's Cancer Journey

At age 29 David was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer.

The effects of the cancer immediately caused him to lose and never recover the feeling on the right side of his body. He endured pounding headaches, weeks in the hospital, multiple surgeries and treatments, chemotherapy, weight gain, debilitating hours-long seizures, emergency ambulance rides, and eventually lost the ability to walk and speak.

Despite the suffering, David was a joy to be with and serve through his suffering. He never stopped being a source of inspiration to those around him.

He suffered immensely but never lost his faith, positivity, humor, and love for others.

He touched the hearts of everyone he encountered — nurses, doctors, fellow patients, friends, family, and even strangers on social media.

He inspired thousands with his positive attitude, unwavering faith, love, perseverance, and sense of humor, even in the face of constant intense suffering.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."

— Stuart Scott

David's Funeral Service

See more about David's life:

David's Legacy Impact

Through the generosity of friends and family, David's Legacy has funded life-changing projects across the globe.

Mexico

Refugees and Fire Relief

Provided emergency supplies and rebuilding assistance to families displaced by devastating fires.

Arizona, USA

Christmas for Cancer Families

Brought holiday joy, gifts, and financial relief to families navigating pediatric cancer treatments.

Peru

Eduardo

Provided a specialized wheelchair, Christmas gifts and some financial support for medical procedures to Eduardo and his family.

Peru

Dana

Remodeled part of Dana's home and bathroom for easier access, provided Christmas gifts and resources for medical care.

Peru

Yaqui

We raised funds to provide medication, treatments, and Christmas gifts for Yaqui and her aging parents.

Peru

Richard

After 20+ years of paralysis, Richard was able to get a specialized wheelchair and specialized medical bed and some additional resources.

Peru

Families In Need

Distributed food, clothing, and essential supplies to multiple families facing extreme poverty and medical emergencies.

Chile

Matías Accessibility Project

Remodeled part of Matías' home to help him have ground-floor wheelchair access to a bedroom, as well as funding for special medical procedures, and a new wheelchair.