Former American figure skater Scott Hamilton experienced an incredible winning streak in the early 1980s, winning four consecutive U.S. titles and four consecutive world championships. His hard work culminated in a gold medal performance at the 1984 Winter Olympics. However, Hamilton, now 65, has shifted his focus towards funding cancer research, hoping to give people the chance at a second life, as he has been given many times over. Hamilton opened up about his personal battles with cancer, attributing his mindset to his mother’s death from metastatic melanoma when he was just 18. This tragedy shaped his thinking and ultimately led him on a path towards fundraising and activism for cancer research.
Plagued with health issues from a young age, Hamilton faced his biggest challenge when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1997. Seven years later, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which returned in 2010. Despite complications from surgery, Hamilton adopted a different approach when he was again diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, choosing not to seek traditional treatment. Instead, he focused on living a healthier life in all respects, including his faith. With this approach, the tumor shrank, prompting Hamilton to caution cancer patients to seek the best advice and educate themselves, values that his foundation, the Scott Hamilton CARES foundation, works diligently to promote.
Hamilton founded the Scott Hamilton CARES foundation in 2014, with a mission to fund cancer research that prioritizes patient care. He advocates for immunotherapy and targeted therapy research to treat cancer and spare patients harm. Despite facing health challenges, Hamilton maintains a positive outlook on life, focusing on turning every moment, whether good or bad, into an opportunity. He views his experiences with cancer as a way to step into the cancer community not just as a fundraiser but as a survivor who understands the challenges faced by those undergoing treatment.
Hamilton’s dedication to cancer research and patient care has garnered recognition, as he was recently awarded the Gold Legacy Award at the Gold Meets Golden event. He continues to work towards funding cancer research that provides patients with a chance at a second life, drawing from his own experiences as a cancer survivor. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of leveraging his platform as an Olympic gold medalist to make an impact in the cancer community, using his own story to inspire and help others facing similar challenges.
Despite the challenges he has faced with cancer, Hamilton remains resilient, living his life joyfully, productively, and faithfully. He emphasizes the importance of not being prideful or stupid when faced with symptoms, choosing to live his life fully while being responsible in managing his health. His holistic approach to health and his commitment to cancer research have helped him navigate his own health challenges while also making a positive impact in the cancer community. Hamilton’s story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of perseverance, generosity, and a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
