“I am often reminded that the people in our lives have the greatest influence on us. The first thing I did when I learned that I would be receiving this honor was—for a moment—I could not speak. I’ve previously given this award. I mean, I’ve watched in amazement as incredible people like Eric LeGrand and Kay Yow have graced this stage. And yet, I understand it intellectually. I hope my cancer battle and public persona may inspire others. However, deep down, I didn’t feel like I belonged with those amazing people. But 21 years ago, I paid attention to what Jim Valvano had to say. The seven most moving words ever spoken in any anytime, in any speech. “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up” . Not those wonderful people. None did Coach Valvano. I now have an obligation to never give up in order to be honored with this. I’m not unique. I just heard what the man had to say. I paid attention to everything he said and demanded of us. And that’s how the foundation is built. And it really does work, I promise you. I’m referring to concrete advantages. In that clinical trial, you observed me. Here’s the issue with that, though. The remarks of Coach Valvano from twenty-one years ago are still helpful to me and countless of others today. immediate advantages. That’s the significance of all of this, the reason we’re gathered here tonight. 

Additionally, I lately came to another realization. In the piece, you heard me sort of hint at that. I said,”I’m not losing. I’m still here, I’m fighting. I’m not losing.” But I’ve gotta amend that. When you die, that 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. Thus, live. Alive. Battle like crazy. And when you’re too exhausted to battle, take a nap and let someone else take up the struggle. That’s also extremely, extremely crucial. This “don’t give up” stuff is too much for me to handle alone. Thousands of people support me on Twitter and in the streets. At ESPN, I have these truly incredible people. It’s true that I have superiors who are corporate executives, and they would text me. They responded with “hey, I heard you had chemotherapy today, you want me to stop by on the way home from work and pick you up something to eat and bring it to you?” For real? That person? Whose superior is that? They do that, my supervisors.

However, even Despite everything, the battle is still far harder than I even thought. What has likely occurred over the last ten days is what you missed reading about in the article. It was last Friday that I left the hospital. Stayed seven days. Whoa, I gave up. I experienced hepatic problems. My kidneys failed. In the course of seven days, I underwent four procedures. “ I had tubes and wires running in and out of every part of my body. Guys, when I say every part of my body: every part of my body. As of Sunday, I didn’t even know if I’d make it here”. I couldn’t fight. But doctors and nurses could. The people that I love and my friends and family – they could combat. My fiancée could fight, and she slept next to me every night on an extremely uncomfortable hospital cot. Last week, the individuals I care about did what they always do. They came to see me, spoke with me, listened to me, occasionally sat in silence, and showed me their affection. And that is an additional BeFoundation component. This fight, this adventure, is not something that you take on alone. This is an item that needs assistance.

A few days ago, I gave my older sister Susan a call. How come? I had to weep. That’s how easy it was. And I know that I can just cry if I want to, and I can call her, my brother Stephen, my parents, and my other sister Synthia. Those items are also really significant.

There’s one more thing I need. It’s actually two, huh. Two incredibly bright, lovely, and lively young women. Being a father to Taelor and Sydni is the best thing I have ever done and the best thing I will ever do. Yes, it is. I am unable to quit up because I am unable to part from my girls. Yes, I do occasionally make them feel uncomfortable. They sometimes perceive me as a despot. That is an exact quotation. Tyrant is also described by another adjective, but I won’t go there. But I adore you two more than words can possibly say, Taelor and Sydni. My two hearts are yours. It is because of you that I am here tonight on this platform.

Taelor, my eldest daughter, was someone I wanted here. but she’s a college sophomore, summer school starts this week, and the second semester starts next week. I adore you, baby child, but go do you. Proceed to do it. My tiniest angel has arrived. Fourteen is my age. I need a hug, Sydni, so come on up here and give dad one.

“I want to say thank you ESPN, thank you ESPYs, thank you all of you. Have a great rest of your night and have a great rest of your life”.