My story

Rising Back to the Top: My Cancer-Free Journey

In October 2023, I was ready to start a new chapter. Then a 7cm tumor changed everything. This is the story of how I fought back — and why I now dedicate my life to helping others do the same.

Dave Wood — cancer survivor and life coach

Dave Wood

Cancer Survivor

Life Coach · Speaker

October 2023 — Ready for a New Chapter

I had my furniture packed and was ready to move to Arizona. Life felt full of possibility. Then, almost overnight, everything changed. I discovered a 7cm tumor in my bottom — and my world went into a quick spiral, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially.

The Fight — Radiation, Chemo & Two Surgeries

I serve a great God, and thankfully, we caught the cancer early. It hadn't spread. What followed was one of the hardest seasons of my life: radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and two surgeries. Each one took something from me — but each one also showed me what I was made of.

Cancer Free — And Climbing

The last surgery cut the tumor out, and the cancer went with it. I'm cancer free. But the journey didn't end there. In the process, I hit rock bottom hard — financially, emotionally, and physically. And that's where the real story begins. Because I am on my way From The Bottom To The Top.

A Bigger Purpose

The rest of my life is dedicated to helping people unlock their true potential and reach their biggest dreams. Whether you're navigating a major life shift, feeling stuck, or already thriving and ready to reach your next summit—you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I know what it takes to rise, rebuild, and break through to new levels.

"Cancer can't keep me down. I am headed back to the TOP and I am taking people with me"

— Dave Wood, Cancer Survivor

What I believe

The principles I live and coach by

Radical Honesty

Real growth starts with a transparent look at your daily habits, your real goals, and where you actually stand today—no filters, no excuses. When we get honest about the good, the bad, and the ugly, we clear the path to genuine transformation.

Faith Over Fear

I serve a great God. Faith carried me through the darkest nights of my life, and it's at the center of everything I do.

Progress Over Perfection

You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next step.  Small wins compound into big change one "Life Hack" at a time.

Community Matters

Nobody climbs alone. The people around you either lift you up or pull you down. I help you build the right circle.

Working with me

What coaching with Dave looks like

I'm not a therapist and I'm not a guru. I'm not even a master of all my life hacks. I'm still climbing. I'm someone who has been to the absolute bottom and found a way back up. My coaching is direct, practical, and grounded in real experience. We'll build a daily strategy, work on your mindset, and I'll hold you accountable every step of the way.

What to expect:

1:1 discovery call to understand your situation
Personalized Life Hacks strategy built around your goals
Weekly accountability check-ins
Access to the free Life Hacks spreadsheet system
Real talk — no fluff, no platitudes

Ready to start your climb?

Book a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and whether working together makes sense. No pressure — just a real conversation.