Don tried not to let mesothelioma define him, or dictate how he would live his life. And, he also did not dwell on the fact that he was battling cancer. "It is too easy to worry about whether the cancer will come back," Don said. So he always tried to keep himself busy, and recommended others faced with an uncertain future do the same.
"Keep yourself busy. Get out and talk to people. Walk around the mall, or just do something that keeps your mind from thinking about what could happen."
Although most people believe that there is nothing good about fighting mesothelioma, the Smitley's believe that Don's fight happened for a reason. Ultimately, Jennifer and her father hoped that through his fight someone else might learn something or simply be inspired by their hope and faith.