Longtime ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor Stuart Scott, who has been battling cancer since 2007, was honored Wednesday night at ESPN’s annual award show, the ESPYs, for his humor and perseverance while battling the disease.
But in Scott’s simple yet powerful speech that night, he addressed the moments when he isn’t able to fight back by himself and when he is unable to stay strong. And his honesty on the reality of death and necessity of support may just possibly be his finest and most inspiring moment on television.
“When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer,” said Scott. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you. … I can’t do this don’t-give-up-thing all by myself.”
During his speech, the 48-year-old Scott (his birthday is Saturday) admitted that the week before he wasn’t sure if he would be able to attend the award ceremony after medical complications and four surgeries in just one week’s time. Scott did attend, and was awarded the Jimmy V Perseverance Award, named after former North Carolina State University basketball coach Jim Valvano, who died from cancer in 1993. Valvano, who is best known for winning the 1983 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, delivered his own inspirational speech at the 1993 ESPYs and died of bone cancer just eight weeks later at the age of 47.
Scott is unquestionably a fighter, but he admitted he can’t battle alone and he can’t be brave at every moment.
“The fight is still much more difficult than I even realized,” said Scott. “I crashed. I had liver complications. I had kidney failure. I had four surgeries in a span of seven days. I had tubes and wires running in and out of every part of my body. … As of Sunday I didn’t even know if I’d make it here. I couldn’t fight. But doctors and nurses could. The people I love, my friends and family, they could fight. … This whole fight, this journey thing is not a solo venture. It is something that requires support. I called my big sister Susan a few days ago. Why? I needed to cry. It’s that simple. I know I could call her. I can call my other sister Cynthia, my brother Steven, my mom and dad and just cry.”
Scott finished his speech with a tribute to his two daughters, inviting his youngest daughter, who was in attendance, on stage to hug her father.
“I can’t ever give up because I can’t leave my daughters. …. I love you guys more than I will ever be able to express. You two are my heartbeat. I am standing on this stage, here tonight, because of you.”
Hug someone you love and watch Scott’s full speech below. Then take his final word of advice to heart:
“Have a great rest of your night and have a great rest of your life.”
