Tech Executive Reveals He's Entering Hospice and Shares Heartfelt Final Message Online: 'Be Kind, Be Brave'

Mar. 15, 2025

James Butts.Photo:James Butts/Instagram

James Butts/Instagram

A man looking ahead at his final days is sharing some parting thoughts on his cancer journey.

James Buttsbuilt an audience on X (formerly Twitter) as the SVP of Product & Design at food delivery service Postmates. One tweet, shared on Wednesday, Nov. 13, has gone viral as he explains where he is in his medical journey.

Butts first revealed his cancer diagnosis on Instagram in late September 2023. Although he didn’t share what particular cancer he has, multiple posts refer to him battling a stage 4 cancer.

“I’m entering hospice today. Will probably update every [sic] little if at all. But I wanted to say to be kind, be brave, be principled, be an idealist. Most importantly, be a decent human,” he writes. “I love that we existed together, in this moment of time.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“At this point, I don’t have any more options for treatment or anything. So I’m going to be entering hospice.”

Butts makes it clear, “In no way do I think this is a lost battle. If anything, it’s a tie, because when I die, the cancer dies with me. So all we’re gonna do is move forward, right?”

His messages have led to an outpouring from people, both those who knew him and complete strangers, to wish him well and reflect on the poignancy of his final messages.

“No idea who you are. But truly appreciate this message of goodness. Godspeed,” one person tweeted in response.

source: people.com