Survivor Spotlight: Scott Farmer
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, and we’re sharing stories and insights from survivors in our CARES community. Scott Farmer, a Laryngeal cancer survivor, was honored at the 2026 Taste of CARES wine dinner in Knoxville. Since his recovery, Scott has become a dedicated advocate for cancer research and the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation.
Thank you, Scott, for sharing your story to inspire hope and raise awareness about the importance of continued investment in cancer research.
Scott Farmer
What were your biggest challenges during your treatment?
One of the biggest challenges for me was balancing treatment with continuing to run my business. Even though my daily treatments were relatively short, the cumulative toll was significant. Waves of nausea and sudden exhaustion would come without warning, forcing me to pause and focus on self-care in the middle of a workday. Keeping up with deadlines, communication, and client responsibilities was difficult.
I also lost a considerable amount of weight, and maintaining proper nutrition became another major hurdle. My care team discussed a feeding tube at one point, but I was determined to avoid it.
My wife was incredible—she stayed by my side, making sure I was constantly getting calories through smoothies and milkshakes, and thankfully, we were able to get through it without taking that step.
Did any treatments or trials in your care come from cancer research?
Yes, my treatment did benefit from advancements in cancer research. While radiation therapy itself has been around for decades, the delivery system used in my case was very new. I was among the first patients treated with a highly advanced, precision-based radiation machine. It delivered targeted doses from multiple angles, focusing directly on the tumor while helping protect critical areas like my carotid arteries and surrounding tissue. That level of innovation made a meaningful difference.
Scott (standing) at our Taste of CARES event in January 2026, held in partnership with the Wine Society of East Tennessee
Has surviving cancer changed your outlook on life?
Absolutely—it changed me in a profound way. From the moment you hear the word “cancer,” your mind immediately goes to your family, your future, and your purpose. Getting through treatment gave me a deep sense of empathy for others facing similar diagnoses. Even though mine was caught early and was very treatable, the journey was still incredibly difficult. Today, when a client or someone I know is going through cancer—either personally or with a loved one—I truly understand what they are facing. That compassion has become one of the most meaningful takeaways from my experience.
What message would you share with someone diagnosed with cancer?
I would tell them that the journey can be tough, and there will be moments where you feel overwhelmed or even question everything—but you are worth the fight. Prioritize your health and give yourself the time you need to heal. Lean on the people around you—your family, friends, colleagues, and employer. People want to support you, but communication is key. Let them know when you’re struggling so they can step in and help. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve also become very passionate about cancer research. While I’m incredibly grateful for the treatments we have today, many of them are based on decades-old technology. We need continued advancements—not only to cure cancer, but also to prevent it and to develop treatments that are less invasive and less taxing on the body. Supporting research is critical to improving both outcomes and quality of life for patients.