JAYFORCE

I’m not special. I just listened to what the man said.
– Stuart Scott

The man, to whom ESPN anchor Stuart Scott refers in his statement above, was the late coach and ESPN commentator Jimmy Valvano. But if you witnessed Stuart’s acceptance of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs… through your tears… you witnessed what the man stood for – a demonstration of character, strength in the face of adversity, humility, honesty, and love. What you witnessed was heart; and it was beautiful.

Stuart is also battling cancer. And in his acceptance speech, he revealed how hard he is fighting – having undergone four surgeries in the days before due to complications with the disease. Such courage, wisdom and grace. Worthy of praise and so hard to put into words; but more than worthy of our attempt here.

Stuart is living V’s words: He will not give up…ever! Neither will his extended family (ESPN coworkers and execs, mom and dad siblings, girlfriend, daughters, other loved ones and friends); because, as he said, he cannot fight alone.

Watch the ultimate ESPN highlight; capped by the most beautiful moment of the night – when his youngest daughter, Sydni, walked on stage and gave Daddy the hug he needed.

(Crying again…dammit.)

While accepting the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award, he announced the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. He announced that the Foundation’s motto would be “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up.” Jimmy V was fighting cancer at the time; and we lost him two months after that night.