# Golf Is Not Everything

> College golfer shares life-changing perspective after living with cancer patient.
- Title: Golf Is Not Everything · EssentiallySports | Shortify
- Summary: College golfer shares life-changing perspective after living with cancer patient. Auburn senior Josiah Gilbert describes how living with fellow golfer…
- Keywords: josiah gilbert, brendan valdes, auburn, korn ferry tour, primary mediastinal lymphoma, md anderson cancer center, g-pro tour, biltmore championship, sports, Golf, Everything, EssentiallySports
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/golf-news-golf-is-not-everything-college-golfer-reveals-life-changing-reality-check-after-living-with-fellow-golfer-during-cancer-battle
- Author: Sudeep Sinha
- Published: 2026-10-19T20:35:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: josiah gilbert, brendan valdes, auburn, korn ferry tour, primary mediastinal lymphoma, md anderson cancer center, g-pro tour, biltmore championship, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Auburn senior Josiah Gilbert describes how living with fellow golfer Brendan Valdes during his cancer treatment changed his view on life and golf.