June 28th 2024.
Get ready to feel some emotions because a heartwarming moment between the daughters of the late ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott and his former SportsCenter co-host Scott Van Pelt is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
During a special segment on SportsCenter, Scott's daughters Taelor and Sydni virtually joined Van Pelt to reflect on the 10th anniversary of Scott's iconic speech at the 2014 ESPYs where he bravely shared his battle with cancer. Now, a decade later, the girls appeared on the popular show not only to discuss the significance of that moment but also to shine a light on the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which was established in their father's honor after his passing on January 4th, 2015. He had succumbed to appendiceal cancer.
The V Foundation, founded by ESPN and renowned basketball coach Jim Valvano, has been determined to conquer cancer since its inception in 1993. After Scott's death, his family launched the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund to carry on his legacy of advocating for cancer research, a cause that was close to his heart. The organization's website states that Scott was particularly passionate about improving outcomes for African Americans and underserved communities who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
In the interview with Van Pelt, Scott's former co-host on SportsCenter, his daughters were taken aback when they learned that an anonymous donor had pledged to match donations up to $75,000 leading up to the 2024 ESPYs, which are set to air live on July 11th. "I don't have words," said Taelor, visibly moved. "It's life-changing." The emotions were raw as all three of them struggled to hold back tears for the rest of the episode. Van Pelt even admitted that he had been praying all day, asking the Lord not to let him "cry on television."
On the 10th anniversary of her father's ESPYs speech, Taelor and Sydni joined Scott Van Pelt for a special moment that they will never forget. They shared a touching embrace that was captured in a video that ESPN shared on Twitter. "It's life-changing and future-preserving," added Sydni. "Taelor and I talk about this often, how stunning and amazing it is to meet families who are part of one of the worst clubs in the world."
As if fighting back tears wasn't already difficult for the trio, who shared a close bond with Scott, Van Pelt took a moment to shower the girls with love and remind them how proud their father would be of them if he were still with us today. "Your dad loved North Carolina, everyone knew that," he said, struggling to hold back his own tears. "But there was nothing in the world he loved more than his little girls. And I'm sitting here looking at the grown women you've become, and he would be so proud. He is so proud, and so are all of us at ESPN who love you from afar."
He continued, "This was a really, really cool thing for me to do, and I don't care where this ends up. Taelor and Sydni, it's so good to see you guys."
In 2007, Scott was diagnosed with cancer, and ultimately, he was presented with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2014 ESPYs. His heartfelt speech has stood the test of time. "When you die, it doesn't mean you lose to cancer," he declared. "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live."
During the speech, he also openly expressed his love for his daughters. "The best thing I have ever done, the best thing I will ever do, is be a dad to Taelor and Sydni. It's true. I can't ever give up because I can't leave my daughters. Yes, sometimes I embarrass them," he joked. "Sometimes, they think I'm a tyrant. That's a direct quote. There is an adjective that describes a tyrant too, but I'm not gonna go there. But Taelor and Sydni, I love you guys more than I will ever be able to express. You two are my heartbeat. I am standing on this stage tonight because of you."
Sadly, Scott passed away less than a year after delivering that powerful speech at the age of 49. He left an indelible mark on the world of sports news when he joined ESPN in 1993. Known for his clever catchphrases and popularizing the term "boo-ya!," the Chicago native was a trailblazer who didn't follow the traditional rules of sports reporting. And while some people may not have liked it, there were many more who appreciated his authentic and genuine approach.
In related news, a $1.58 million grant has been awarded to fund a study on cancer among Black women in the Mid-South, a cause that was also close to Scott's heart. His legacy continues to live on through the impact he made and the love he shared with his family and friends.
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