Cooler than the other side of the pillow, that was Stuart Scott.

For years, Scott entertained many of us as an ESPN anchor. His extraordinary sportscasting style changed the way we talk about sports.

As a sportscaster, Scott was unapologetically himself. He took a sometimes bland profession and added just the right amount of spice. His impact as a sportscaster is only trumped by one thing, his inspiring story as he battled with cancer.

On July 16, Stuart accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYS. The award is given to those who exemplify the fighting spirit of NC State Coach Jimmy Valvano, who battled cancer valiantly years ago. In Scott’s acceptance speech he had this to say about his fight with cancer: “When you die it does not mean you lose your fight with cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.”

Scott passed away on January 4 after a seven-year fight with cancer. He was remembered and honored by many athletes, celebrities, politicians, colleagues and viewers as a game changer and most of all, an inspiration.