F E A T U R E
C OMP E T I N G IN THE
O F
At an imposing 6 feet 6 inches and 250 pounds, Brad Samuel hadn’t been daunted by much in life, but Hodgkin’s lymphoma presented a challenge like none he’d ever faced.
past the nurses station, where the bell mounted to the wall represented triumph against the deadly disease. It would become a focal point of his motivation. “I did not take my eye off that bell for the entire leg of that journey,” he says. “To survive, I would tell myself that I must beat it mentally, so I have a chance to beat it physically.” His will to win, combined with the advanced medical treatment Scripps is known for, would see Samuel ringing the bell just three weeks after the transplant.
After six months of conventional
In 2021, Brad Samuel faced the fight of his life, Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But with Scripps in his corner and a positive outlook that wouldn't quit, he held on for the win.
treatment for the cancer, Samuel needed a more aggressive approach. He resolved to meet the challenge, and then some, by undergoing an autologous stem cell transplant. Hair gone from intensive chemotherapy, his immune system completely wiped out, Samuel would spend his time in the hospital exercising. He roamed the halls in workout clothes, doing lunges, push-ups, squats and 100 laps a day
22 SAN DIEGO HEALTH | FALL 2023
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