Paralyzed by Cancer, 220 Lbs Bodybuilder Ditched Death To Give Himself Another Chance at Life

Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, Zach Stroup felt as if someone had taken the light out of his life. Stroup is a former bodybuilder who weighed 220 lbs and lived a healthy life until one day when his life turned upside down. In February 2020, Stroup was initially diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and before he knew it, his cancer was back. Eventually, Stroup with the love and support of his wife Madison Stroup, overcame all adversities to live the life he wanted to live again. How was he able to do that? Let’s learn more about his inspirational story.

Zach Stroup’s cancer had spread rapidly to his thoracic spine and had to undergo surgery. Further, Stroup went through a critical surgery that successfully prevented him from undergoing a state of paralysis. However, the only downside was that he lost the function of his right leg in the process.

Zach Stroup’s bout with cancer and beating death to come out stronger

As per Today, Madison recalled the doctor’s initial response on seeing Stroup’s tumor, “The doctor came in, and he looked like he had just seen a ghost … He told us, ‘I believe you have cancer.’ It felt like the walls were closing in”.

The Doctors feared that Stroup might not be able to move ever again if immediate surgery wasn’t done to remove the cancerous tumor from his spine. Even though the surgery was successful, Stroup lost the function of his right leg. Naturally, Stroup and his wife were in disbelief. He said, “I was really healthy before. I was into bodybuilding….. I never went to the doctor ever”. He was understandably unable to digest his predicament.

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However, come 2022, Stroup was cancer free, but he wasn’t just content with recovering. Stroup started bettering his health and rebuilding his physique from scratch. He did things he thought he would never be able to do. Madison Stroup shared an inspirational video made of a collage of pictures showing her husband’s progress. Against his doctor’s prediction, Stroup was walking again (although a little weak in his right knee), and lightly working out as well.

Bodybuildingcom shared this video on their Instagram page, praising Stroup for his progress and never-give-up attitude. Overjoyed by this praise, Stroup replied, “Thank you so much for sharing this story”.

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Just like Zach Stroup, countless others are fighting this deadly battle to live and enjoy life a little more. And with the support of near and dear ones, anybody can overcome these struggles. Do you know such inspirational stories of any athlete (or otherwise)? Please share them below.