'Every Day I Fight': Celebrating ESPN's Stuart Scott

This week marked the sixth anniversary of beloved ESPN journalist and broadcaster Stuart Scott’s passing. Scott, who died at just 49 after a lengthy bout with appendiceal cancer, was a pioneer and ESPN original who changed the way we viewed and consumed sports. He did not just challenge the status quo — he disrupted and transformed it with his passion, preparation, catchphrases, authenticity and smooth coolness.

Scott battled this rare cancer form for nine years. Despite countless surgeries, chemotherapy, endless commutes from the hospital and his broadcasting gigs, Scott never ceased living for the moment. He approached his craft with unimaginable grace, perseverance, determination, courage and humility. While he entertained the masses and became a global icon with his one-of-a kind delivery, he often declared that his greatest joy was being a father to his daughters, Taelor and Sydni.

On July 16, 2014, Scott was acknowledged at the ESPY Awards with the Jimmy V Award, which honors “a deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination.” In what would be Scott’s final public appearance less than six months before his death, he delivered a stirring message on the game of life and fighting every day even amid misfortune, setbacks, difficulties and pain.

Stuart Scott eloquently expressed, “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. So, live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you.”

Each of us is fighting some battle that another person knows absolutely nothing about. Just because we welcomed in a new year does not mean yesterday’s burdens disappeared. But with this new day, we are graced with the opportunity to confront and overcome these challenges with a renewed sense of resiliency, tenacity, vigor, faith and compassion. Opportunities and obstacles live in the same neighborhood. Our ability to see the bright side of a seemingly hopeless situation becomes true mental toughness. Realize what we give our attention to grows. The choice is within our control, where we put that focus.

Stuart Scott was determined to fight. He taught us that adversity is an experience, not a final act. And even when you are no longer here physically, one’s spirit and wisdom can still live on and resonate profoundly.

We can celebrate Stuart Scott’s life and legacy by how we live, why we live, and in the manner in which we live. So, remember to live. Live fully and presently and never forget to “fight like hell” no matter the circumstance’s darkness and heaviness.

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