Every Day I Fight (extra book)

Statistics show that 39.6 % of all men and women will get cancer during the course of their lifetime.  Staggering numbers.  Get on the subway tomorrow and think that almost every other person you run into will get cancer…..  so goes the story of Stuart Scott in his book Every Day I Fight  who battled with cancer for 7 years.  For those who didn’t know Scott, he was the “new generation” of announcers in sports and helped to build the brand that announcing sports can be fun and connected to cultures outside of the main stream.  Scott, an African-American man, helped break barriers and bring a new way of showing enthusiasm and spark for sports through his nightly Sportscenter broadcasts on ESPN. 

Scott died on January 4, 2015, just over a year ago and this New York Times bestselling book chronicles his life, but most importantly, his journey with cancer.  Scott opens up doors to the uber-masculine athlete type by sharing the pain, the numbing of emotions, and what really matters in life…. Do you know what matters to you?  This book uncovers a soul who turns to God, those closest to him, and explains why you can just be you.  This book hits me personally, as I witness my sister’s struggles, who like Scott, has had multiple cancer discoveries in many places throughout her body.  His approach of not knowing the “chances” and staying fit (where he can) shows the mental fortitude and fight to say “FU Cancer”…..  his ability to accept the ESPY Award for courage in summer 2014, after 17 days in the hospital further illustrates that one can truly attempt anything when the mind and will tell you to.  Highest praise for the man, his family, and caregivers.  Caregivers need more praise as witnessing the decline of a loved one, knowing that there may be limited hope is like the rollercoaster ride that won’t end.  For those with strong wills and no fear, read this book, you may find a bit more compassion towards your own failures and faults that you may not be able to control.  Great and touching tribute to a man… by the man himself.