From EssentiallySports · Sudeep Sinha · · 1m
Golf Is Not Everything
College golfer shares life-changing perspective after living with cancer patient.
In brief
College golfer shares life-changing perspective after living with cancer patient. Auburn senior Josiah Gilbert describes how living with fellow golfer Brendan Valdes during his cancer treatment changed his view on life and golf. Originally reported by EssentiallySports.
Brendan Valdes' Cancer Diagnosis
Brendan Valdes was diagnosed with primary mediastinal lymphoma after coughing up blood on January 1st.
“I was with him the whole time. … It was an amazing process, and he’s one of the most positive dudes ever.”
Gilbert's Reaction to Call
Gilbert was shocked when Valdes called him from an airport in Australia on January 2nd or 3rd.
“Your boy’s got cancer.”
Valdes' Positive Outlook
Valdes remained optimistic, saying he would be cancer-free by August after his diagnosis.
“I’ll be all good… I’ll be out by August… I’ll be done.”
Valdes' Treatment Timeline
Valdes began chemotherapy in Alabama after consulting specialists at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
“He had spent more than six months without hitting a club.”
Valdes' Return to Golf
Valdes returned to competitive golf in late June after finishing third at a G-Pro Tour event.
“He finished third at 12-under par, just three shots behind the winner.”
Valdes' Biltmore Championship
Valdes received a sponsor exemption to compete in the Biltmore Championship but failed to make the cut.
“He had spent more than six months without hitting a club.”
The essence
Auburn senior Josiah Gilbert describes how living with fellow golfer Brendan Valdes during his cancer treatment changed his view on life and golf.
