Stuart Scott Loses Battle Against Cancer, But Not the War

It's a sad day.

Stuart Scott, a revered longtime anchor at ESPN, has died at the age of 49 due to cancer. Scott was famous for his instinctive grasp of the mot juste, to translate his personality and charisma into words. "Boo-Yah!" "As cool as the other side of the pillow," and "He must be the bus driver cuz he was takin' him to school," are just a few examples of the flair and witty style he brought onto every broadcast, which we all marveled at the serendipitous of his immense personality and passion.

Stuart has been battling against cancer for approximately eight years. It all started while covering the Pittsburg Steelers/Miami Dolphins game on ESPN Monday Night Football, November 26, 2007. He became ill, and was forced to endure an emergency appendectomy. During the operation, doctors discovered a tumor, which resulted in additional surgery and chemotherapy, and so began the battle. Scott would fight cancer 3 times – in 2007, 2010, and 2013 to present – but he would't let the diagnosis consume him.

His mental toughness motivated him to keep up the fight, take control of his life, and live it to the highest potential. Scott returned to on-air broadcasting with more passion than ever. If you sat on the opposite side of the camera you couldn't spot a glimpse of weakness on him. He even took up kick boxing to show he was capable of control and strength. Physically it was roller coaster fight, but mentally he conquered. He inspired his colleagues with his sheer talent, his work ethic and his devotion to his daughters, Taelor, 19, and Sydni, 15.

Scott saved his best for his last year on the air. After another round of cancer surgery, he traveled to the Los Angeles to accept the "Jimmy V Award for Perseverance" at the ESPYS. Even though he was weak, his acceptance speech was filled with power and vitality. "When you die, it 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."

Stuart Scott was a general in the on-going war against cancer. He might have fell to the illness, but through his obsequious resilience, personality and strength, he has motivated countless others battling cancer to fight back and not let it consumer their lives. This is how you win.

Rest in Peace, Stuart Scott.

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]