Japan is the world’s fastest-aging country, so it’s no surprise it’s a hub of creation for products targeting the elderly.

Here’s a story about a man whose battle with cancer led to an innovative new design for canes.

Inventor Shinya Sato calls his cane the “Grandchild Cane” because it fits in the palm as nicely as the hand of a beloved grandchild.

It has a stable, hi-tech base modeled after the feet of ostriches, and stands up on its own.

Sato even presented one to the Pope.

But the cane has an inspiring back story—it emerged from Sato’s battle with throat cancer.

Sato was diagnosed four years ago. To pay for his treatment he sold off his chain of four restaurants.

He says he asked himself what he was doing with his life.

Then he remembered words from his father, who once told him that if he ever had any money, he should use it to help people and make his parents proud.

The idea for the Grandchild Cane occurred to Sato when he happened to see an elderly woman fall down when her cane slipped.

He says he thought there had to be a better cane.

Sato began to study elderly care.

He decided to create a cane that would be stable when weight is applied from any direction.

That’s when he thought of ostriches’ remarkable ability to balance their heavy weight on tiny feet.

Sato’s design won a sought-after mark for industrial safety.

But he says he’s not finished yet.

Sato says he wants to refine his designs and bring a safe walking experience to the world’s elderly.

He’s already applied for patents in Japan, China, the US and other countries.

He says he’ll continue to work on his canes as long as he’s alive.