What is the point, or purpose, of these kinds of chain mail posts?

This:

Nothing worse than watching your loved ones die

Trying to look good, but after chemo and radiation… you know the person physically changed and they’re in shock!! I know many of you do not give a damn of this message because of course, the cancer has not touched you. You do not know what it’s like to have fought the fight or had a loved one who leads a battle against cancer. For all the men and women I know, I ask you a small favour and only some of you will do… If you know someone who has led a battle against cancer, still struggling or who passed, please add this to your status for one hour as a mark of respect and remembrance…
Message copy and paste to support victims and families affected by cancer !!!
Hold your finger on the message in order to copy and paste on your page. If you choose to do so. Pls no tagging or sharing.