Famed Sports Journalist Holly Rowe has fought through adversity to beat back cancer, and she shares how her career has helped her on her journey in more ways than one.
“During my cancer journey, I started keeping a joy journal to record the little moments each day that made me absolutely happy and joyful. I would just close my eyes, and let that joy wash over me. I’d soak it in. It has kept me going and happy through a difficult time. I have kept that habit and just stop during the busy, crazy times of life to really appreciate these joy-filled moments.” – Holly Rowe
If you’re into college football, you know who Holly Rowe is. Her sunny smile and info-packed sideline reporting and commentary add something special to games all autumn long. Though the ESPN journalist and fan favorite is a fixture in football stadiums, she’s passionate about all sports and also routinely covers men’s and women’s basketball and softball as well as the NBA and WNBA.
In May of 2015, the sports world was saddened to learn that Rowe was diagnosed with a rare form of melanoma, and as a public figure who refused to miss much work, her treatment process, the news her cancer had spread and her recovery played out for all to see. At the time, she was candid about what she was going through, but here, Rowe opens up even more, sharing what’s helped her cope and why the abundant kindness of others has inspired her to pay the sentiment forward.
WAS YOUR CANCER DISCOVERED AS THE RESULT OF A REGULAR SCREENING?
Yes. I had gone in to have a suspicious mole checked about a year before, and they had done a biopsy and told me everything was fine. The scar healed oddly and continued to get bigger. I saw a photo of myself and saw that what had been a small scar was now pushing up my dress as a lump. I went to the dermatologist, and they did another biopsy and came back with the diagnosis: stage 3 melanoma. I procrastinated getting it checked out, and I really wish I hadn’t.
HOW DID CANCER AND YOUR TREATMENT AFFECT YOUR WORK AND CAREER
Initially, I was very naïve. I had an easy surgery and missed one weekend of work. I didn’t think it was a big deal AT all. Looking back, I really regret this time. I wish I had understood how pervasive and deadly melanoma is and how easily it spreads. If I had known, I would have taken this initial period more seriously. That is something I am very passionate about now, in retrospect. I want to help educate others so they can avoid the same mistakes I felt I made early on. Within a few months, I had another tumor under my arm and another major surgery. Within one year, I had three occurrences, including the devastating news it had spread to my lungs.
I missed a chunk of time for work around the second surgery. But I was eager to “get back to normal,” and I rushed my recovery so I could get back to doing what I love. I ended up going back to work with drains still sewn in to the side of my body. It was hilarious to try and plan outfits around the drains. But I did feel better getting back to work. My job is filled with fun, passion, competition and overcoming obstacles. I felt better working than sitting around having cancer. While it has been difficult to be on national television not feeling my best, trying to be positive and focusing on my work has helped me. My coping mechanism was: Watch games, get back to work. That may seem strange, but it helped me not to think about what was happening.
WHAT WAS YOUR IMPRESSION OF THE RESPONSE FROM YOUR CO-WORKERS, FANS, FRIENDS, ETC.?
It really took me by surprise. I had an outpouring of love and support that just blew me away. Presents, flowers, cards, books, signed basketballs, treats, visits, calls, emails. I really had no idea this is how so many people felt about me, and it was humbling and overwhelming and uplifting. And all of the strangers telling me they are praying for me. It was just so very beautiful and got me through some frightening, discouraging times. I can never possibly thank everyone, but it is a big reason that it is now my purpose in life to pay forward the kindness and love I received to others who are going through cancer.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CANCER JOURNEY?
There were several times I didn’t feel well, and I just didn’t know how to ask for help. I would get impatient or cranky and have to apologize. I finally started to realize I have to tell people when I don’t feel well, though that makes me feel vulnerable, so that they can have patience with me when I am not at my best. I now tell others to ask for help when you need it. It is hard when we are independent, but letting others help you is a way to make them feel better too. People around you WANT to help, but they may not know how.
The other thing that REALLY helped me was to stop procrastinating and start doing the things I said I wanted to do “one day.” I started doing my “one day” list, and it has opened up my life to joy and adventure and really helped me live a more fulfilling life.
I want to help educate others so they can avoid the same mistakes I felt I made early on.
WHAT MAKES COLLEGE FOOTBALL SPECIAL TO YOU?
College football is probably my first true love. My dad took me to BYU games when I was about 5 years old, and I just got hooked. I remember crying when the Cougars would lose and following EVERY moment of the great era of BYU quarterbacks and offense in Provo, Utah. I think it was a really beautiful bond between me and my dad that connected us.
When I first started out in TV, it was a bit awkward to just talk into the camera because it is a blank, black lens. Someone gave me great advice, asking, “Who do you talk to about sports?” I said, “My dad.” They said, “Then when you look into the camera, pretend you are talking to your dad.” I have been talking to him ever since.
For more inspiring survivor stories, check out these Joy to Life podcasts.