[VIDEO] How Stuart Scott Inspired Millions Battling with Cancer

Longtime ESPN anchor Stuart Scott made history in the sports world with his energy, pop-culture references and catchphrases. Scott, 49, was one of the most recognizable and popular faces of ESPN, eventually joining the network’s “SportsCenter” and NFL and NBA shows.

On Sunday, Jan. 4, Scott passed away following an eight-year battle with cancer.

Scott built his career as a sports anchor, but his eloquent observations on his battle with cancer and the encouragement and motivation to others fighting the disease made him a role model.

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A Rare Form of Cancer

Scott was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007. He beat it only to have it return again in 2011. The second time around, he beat it again. But when it resurfaced a third time in 2013, it proved too much.

Scott was always private when it came to speaking about what type of cancer he was battling. When the New York Times profiled him and his endurance with the disease, all Scott revealed was that it was not colon cancer. Later on, in an article for Men’s Health, Scott stated that he had a “very rare form” of appendiceal cancer.

According to SportsGrid, the PMP Research Foundation noted that Scott most likely had high-grade appendiceal adenocarcinoma due to the type of systemic chemotherapy Scott underwent.

Appendiceal cancer affects 600 to 1,000 Americans each year, according to Shooting for a Cure, just a fraction of the millions of diagnosed cases.

A Fight to the End

At the 2014 ESPYS last July, Scott was presented with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. He gave a moving speech (see video below) and offered an honest reflection of what it is like to live with cancer.

“When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer,” he said in the speech. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.”

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This line alone comforted millions of people who lost loved ones to cancer, but it was not the only source of hope and inspiration for fighters and families.

During his speech he recounted his most recent trip to the hospital, and how his family, friends and bosses helped him through his toughest times.

“This whole fight, this journey thing is not a solo venture. This is something that requires support,” Scott said.

Scott’s concluding message to fellow cancer fighters: “So live, live. Fight like hell.”

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