Getting back in the game: How whole-person care helped an NBA referee overcome cancer

ORLANDO, Fla. – When a cancer diagnosis brought an NBA referee’s season to an abrupt halt, whole‑person care at AdventHealth Cancer Institute helped restore his health and guide his path to recovery.

“They gave me a second chance,” said Scott Wall, a 30-year veteran with the league.

After completing 14 months of cancer treatment, Wall reached a powerful milestone, complete remission. To celebrate, he was able to ring the bell one week before Christmas, surrounded by friends and family, marking both the end of an intense chapter and the beginning of what comes next.

“I’m proof you can make it. If you stay positive, stay fighting and you just believe, because everyone here at AdventHealth is going to do their best to get you to your goal.”

In 2024, during an annual physical at the NBA referees’ preseason meeting, Wall was flagged for a dangerously low white blood cell count. Within a matter of days, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a life-threatening blood cancer that often requires prolonged hospitalization and intensive treatment. Wall suddenly found his fast-paced professional life replaced by weeks in the hospital, focused entirely on survival and recovery.

“Untreated, I would’ve had just months,” he recalled. “Because it was caught early, we had a chance.”

Dr. Rushang Patel, medical director of the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at AdventHealth Cancer Institute, used genetic testing to customize Wall’s cancer treatment. This reduced the number of chemotherapy infusions needed, while still maintaining effective results.

“We’re treating the person, not just the disease,” said Dr. Patel. “That means caring for the body, supporting the mind and walking alongside patients and families every step of the way.”

That approach helped guide Wall through his cancer treatment, leaning on faith, family and a care team committed to healing the whole person.

“The staff Dr. Patel has assembled here has been absolutely amazing,” said Wall. “Everyone cares. They want you to get better.”

Amy Browning, a nurse practitioner who cared for Wall during his treatment, saw the positive impact of this support.

“Seeing him cross that finish line, rebuilding strength and returning to life as a husband, father, coworker and fan, brings a powerful message of hope,” she said.

While rebuilding strength will take time, Wall’s goal is clear, return to the court and keep living with purpose.

“I still have a lot of life to live,” he said.

If you or someone you love is facing a cancer diagnosis, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Learn how AdventHealth Cancer Institute delivers whole-person care and personalized treatment plans that support healing for body, mind and spirit.

Visit AdventHealthCancerInstitute.com to get started or request an appointment today.