Scott lives in Lakeville, MN, with his wife Michelle and their two lovely daughters, Olivia and Eleanor. In late 2010, Scott began having stomach pains, and in January of 2011 was diagnosed with Stage IV Mantle Cell Lymphoma. With great attentive care from his team at Mayo he underwent multiple rounds of varying chemotherapy and in August of 2011 was cleared for a stem cell transplant. During Scott’s recovery at both the Transplant House and Hope Lodge in Rochester, he was blessed with the presence of his 23 year old cousin Rob, who paused his life at college and assisted with Scott’s full time care so Michelle could balance the required care for Scott with the needs of their young girls.
By December of 2011 Scott was recovering well and wanted to regain his physical strength along with paying forward the swell of support he received during his battle. He joined his local chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, committing to training and completing a triathlon in July 2012 while raising funds and advocating for those afflicted by blood cancer. After completing his first triathlon with Team in Training, Scott found great satisfaction in the connections he made to both survivors and the fight for a cure. He realized the importance of giving back and became an advocate for LLS.
In March of 2013 Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer. Scott immediately planned to pull back from his training to attend to his wife. Michelle, however, urged him to continue the fight for those with blood cancer and search for a cure. She stated the reason her prognosis was so good was due to the commitment and advocacy of those before her. If there was to be a cure for other cancers, the fight must continue. Scott attended to Michelle and their daughters until Michelle recovered and then completed his Half Iron Triathlon, later that year adding on a marathon and long distance ski race with Team in Training.
Scott has continued his advocacy for cancer treatment and cures, training and fundraising with LLS and in 2018 he joined their Board of Trustees. Scott raised over $100,000 for LLS as a 2019 Man of the Year candidate. He is so thankful for the time he has been granted to spend laughing with his wife and kids, as well as being a part of and witnessing his daughters maturity into amazing young ladies.
Before his family’s battle, Scott had little to no personal connection to cancer, but in the years since he has been trusted with many stories of friends and colleagues personal struggles with cancer. Scott is extremely motivated to continue his advocacy with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and finish the fight for better treatment options and an eventual cure.