Olympic Champion Scott Hamilton Shares How His First Brain Tumor Strengthened His Faith

Figure Skating Legend Scott Hamilton Says 1st Brain Tumor Ignited My Faith

Scott Hamilton Jerod Harris/Getty Images for the Elton John AIDS Foundation

Scott Hamilton, a figure skating legend, has faced several health challenges such as three brain tumors and a fight against testicular cancer. Despite these struggles, he credits his faith for helping him navigate through it all.

Hamilton, 65, shared his journey on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday, April 18. He talked about the obstacles he has overcome, starting from his days as a competitor to the present.

In 1997, the Olympic gold medalist was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Over the next 19 years, he also dealt with three benign pituitary tumors.

Hamilton shared that the first tumor, discovered in 2004, had a profound impact on his faith. Doctors revealed that he had the tumor since birth. He recalled the moment to his wife, who immediately held his hands and prayed with him. This experience strengthened his faith like never before.

Reflecting on that moment, Hamilton described it as the most powerful experience he has ever had. Despite experiencing many significant events in his life, this particular moment stood out as the most impactful for him.

Figure Skating Legend Scott Hamilton Says 1st Brain Tumor Ignited My Faith 2

Scott Hamilton David Madison/Getty Images

Hamilton faced additional tumor diagnoses in 2010 and 2016, leading to multiple surgeries in the years in between.

He shared, "Six years later, it returned and the surgery didn't go as expected, resulting in nine surgeries. And then, another six years later, it came back once more. This time, I was presented with both surgical and medical options. All I could think was, get strong. That was my focus - just get strong."

Hamilton decided to focus on getting strong instead of undergoing chemotherapy or more surgery. He believed that this decision was guided by a strong inner feeling.

In a March interview with E! News, Hamilton shared, “I wasn’t sure if it was physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. So, I decided to choose all of the above, just like I did in high school.”

The tumor shrank by 45 percent even without treatment. Recently, it has grown back, but Hamilton is considering radiation if his doctors recommend it.

Hamilton mentioned, "I feel more faith, emotional strength, and mental clarity than ever before."

Hamilton, now retired, is dedicating his time to raising awareness for cancer research. He believes that in his lifetime, all cancers will be survivable and remains optimistic about the progress being made.

He emphasized the importance of this cause, stating that cancer affects everyone in some way. Despite being a devastating disease, Hamilton sees hope in the advancements in science. He noted that there is a significant gap between scientific progress and funding, but closing this gap could potentially save millions of lives.

Editor's P/S:

Scott Hamilton's remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of faith amidst adversity. Diagnosed with multiple brain tumors and testicular cancer, he found solace and strength in his belief, which became an unwavering beacon during his darkest moments. Hamilton's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the profound impact that spirituality can have on our lives.

Hamilton's unwavering determination to focus on getting strong rather than resorting to conventional treatment shows his immense resilience and belief in his own body's ability to heal. His approach to health and well-being highlights the importance of listening to our inner wisdom and trusting our instincts. Hamilton's journey inspires us to embrace a holistic approach to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, recognizing that they are all interconnected and essential for our overall well-being.