Podcast Summary: I AM HealingStrong - Episode 108: Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose in Skating and Multiple Cancer Diagnoses pt2 | Scott Hamilton
Introduction
In Episode 108 of the I AM HealingStrong podcast, host Jim Mann engages in an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Scott Hamilton, an Olympic gold medalist figure skater and a multiple cancer survivor. This episode delves deep into Scott's journey of overcoming fear, battling cancer, and finding renewed purpose through his passion for skating and philanthropic endeavors. Scott shares his personal experiences, the creation and impact of the CARES Foundation, and offers invaluable advice for listeners facing their own health battles.
Scott Hamilton's Perspective on Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
Scott Hamilton begins the conversation by drawing a powerful metaphor from his skating career. Reflecting on his experiences of falling on the ice approximately 41,600 times, he emphasizes the importance of resilience:
"But when you get up 41,600 times, the next fall has very little meaning... It’s like you’re going to get knocked down, you’re just going to get up. It’s how you get up."
— Scott Hamilton [00:05]
He relates this to the inevitable challenges everyone faces in life, highlighting that setbacks are part of the journey, but the true measure lies in how one rises after each fall.
Founding the CARES Foundation and Chemocare.com
Transitioning from personal resilience to proactive action, Scott discusses the inception of the CARES Foundation. Motivated by gratitude towards the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center for supporting him through his battle with cancer, Scott sought to give back to the community:
"We created a mentorship program that exists to this day. I survived, I guess it was '97, so I'd be 27 years ago."
— Scott Hamilton [02:58]
He elaborates on the mentorship program, Fourth Angel, which pairs cancer patients with survivors to provide guidance and support. Additionally, Scott addresses the lack of accessible medical information during his diagnosis, leading him to establish Chemocare.com:
"Chemocare.com... all that information exists. You just have to spend some time to get growing all the time and almost oppressively."
— Scott Hamilton [03:24]
Chemocare.com became a vital resource, translating complex medical jargon into understandable language, thus empowering patients to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Advocating for Innovative Cancer Treatments
Scott passionately discusses his advocacy for immunotherapy as a transformative approach to cancer treatment. He credits two research scientists from Indiana for their pioneering work, which not only saved his life but also contributed to advancements in cancer therapy:
*"Two months. It killed every in me. And of course, there's obviously a long way to go... Because I."</span> — Scott Hamilton [07:16]
He underscores the significance of immunotherapy in harnessing the body's natural defenses to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. This breakthrough aligns with his mission at the CARES Foundation to fund and support cutting-edge cancer research.
Living with Cancer: Strengthening Body, Mind, and Spirit
When confronted with a third brain tumor diagnosis, Scott reveals his unwavering determination to "get strong" in every aspect of his being—physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually:
"I have no idea. But that's all my body would let me do. It's all my mind, that's all my heart, heart. That's all my spirit would let me do is just... get strong."
— Scott Hamilton [08:23]
His holistic approach to healing emphasizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, advocating for a comprehensive strategy to combat illness and improve quality of life.
Building a Legacy: The CARES Foundation's Impact and Future
Scott provides an overview of the CARES Foundation's mission—Cancer Alliance for Research, Education, and Survivorship. Highlighting the foundation's collaborative efforts with other cancer organizations, he illustrates the collective endeavor to revolutionize cancer treatment:
"We're the CARES initiative... we're a collaborative organization. Silos don't work in cancer."
— Scott Hamilton [22:00]
He shares a notable success story where research conducted under the foundation's auspices progressed to clinical trials, demonstrating tangible progress in the fight against cancer.
Messages of Hope and Encouragement
As the conversation draws to a close, Jim Mann prompts Scott to offer words of encouragement to listeners grappling with cancer diagnoses. Scott's advice centers on proactive engagement in one's healthcare journey:
"Do your homework. I don't believe in second opinions. I believe in seventh opinions... understand your condition and then make choices based on that."
— Scott Hamilton [16:24]
He advocates for thorough research, seeking multiple expert opinions, and making informed decisions tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Scott emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment in navigating the complexities of cancer treatment.
Final Reflections: Embracing the Fruits of the Spirit
In a poignant closing exchange, Scott reflects on the nine fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control—as guiding principles in his daily life:
"In my closet, I have a frame thing and it's just the nine fruits of the spirit. I figure if I can live in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control every single day, yeah, the rest of my days are going to be pretty good."
— Scott Hamilton [26:25]
This philosophy underscores his commitment to personal growth and maintaining a positive, resilient mindset despite ongoing challenges.
Conclusion
Episode 108 of I AM HealingStrong offers a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and unwavering hope. Scott Hamilton's journey from Olympic glory to cancer survivor and philanthropist serves as a beacon of inspiration for listeners facing their own battles. Through his honest reflections and strategic initiatives like the CARES Foundation and Chemocare.com, Scott exemplifies how strength, knowledge, and community support can transform the most challenging chapters into stories of triumph and purpose.
Notable Quotes:
- Scott Hamilton [00:05]: "But when you get up 41,600 times, the next fall has very little meaning."
- Scott Hamilton [03:24]: "Chemocare.com... all that information exists. You just have to spend some time to get growing all the time."
- Scott Hamilton [08:23]: "It's all my mind, that's all my heart, heart... just get strong."
- Scott Hamilton [16:24]: "Do your homework. I don't believe in second opinions. I believe in seventh opinions."
- Scott Hamilton [26:25]: "If I can live in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control every single day, yeah, the rest of my days are going to be pretty good."
Resources Mentioned:
- CARES Foundation: ScottCares.org
- Chemocare.com: A comprehensive resource for cancer patients to understand treatment options and manage side effects.
Final Thoughts
Scott Hamilton's narrative is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome immense adversity through resilience, support systems, and a commitment to making a difference. His work with the CARES Foundation continues to pave the way for innovative cancer treatments and provides hope to countless individuals navigating their own healing journeys.