ESPN Broadcaster Stuart Scott is the recipient of the 2014 Jimmy V Perseverance Award. Named for legendary North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano who died of bone cancer in 1993. Scott, who was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in 2007, delivered an inspirational speech that moved audience members who gave Scott two standing ovations. Scott discussed fighting cancer, acknowledged the constant battle that it is, the need to rest and let others pick up the battle for you when you feel like you can’t go on and the reason that he continues to fight — because he “can’t leave his daughters.”
Scott’s words were inspirational, imparting wisdom to those fighting cancer or any other battle in life. He said:
“When you die,that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”
In a world where acknowledging weakness is discouraged, Scott demonstrated strength and dignity as he continues the good fight.
Watch Scott’s ESPY speech below:
This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., editor-in-chief of the award-winning news site The Burton Wire, which covers news of the African Diaspora. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.
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