When you stop and think about it, you realize that life is all about survival. There are different degrees, but every creature, humans included, strives to survive each day and make it to the next. From being a professional soccer player to winning Survivor Africa, I’ve experienced the highs of competitive survival. However, it was my unexpected battle with CD20+ Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, not once but twice, that thrust me into an extraordinary narrative of resilience and endurance and shaped my unique perspective on what it truly means to survive.
As a fit and active 35-year-old, I had traveled the world on behalf of the international health community through Grassroot Soccer (GRS), an organization I co-founded with the winnings from Survivor. While launching programs that educated 18 million youth in 60 countries, cancer became an unlikely opponent. Despite enduring aggressive treatments, including two stem cell transplants, I refused to lose optimism or spirit.
A pivotal moment in my journey came when the severity of my illness and its treatment, coupled with the anxiety of cancer recurrence, led me to explore cannabis and CBD as a form of palliative care. Faced with limited safe options for cancer patients and overwhelmed by misinformation in the rapidly growing legalized cannabis market, I decided to go public with my story. My aim was clear – advocate for common-sense use, regulation, and education.
As an athlete, I know the pressures of relying on pharmaceuticals for pain relief. Doctors often wanted to prescribe strong medications, such as opioids, to manage the discomfort. However, my message to fellow athletes and readers alike is clear: consider more gentle and proven methods before turning to powerful pharmaceuticals.
In 2022, I partnered with Trulieve as the official ambassador of Momenta, their in-house wellness brand. To celebrate a decade of being cancer-free, I ran the 2022 Boston Marathon, representing Momenta and supporting patient education and community outreach initiatives. The partnership with Trulieve, the leading cannabis company in the U.S. with 192 dispensaries in 9 states, was an opportunity to amplify my voice in advocating for the positive impact of cannabis on health and wellness.
My personal experience in battling cancer, coupled with my advocacy for smart drug policy reform and demonstrated concern for the public good, positions me at the center of a profound evolution in the cannabis industry. Inspired by my journey, I launched the Safe Roots Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on supporting innovative substance misuse prevention programs for teenagers. Drawing from my 20 years of experience in developing health educational programs for young people globally with GRS, the foundation addresses America’s current drug crisis with sensible prevention programming delivered by credible role models.
I am passionate about using both my personal experience and professional expertise as a megaphone for sharing honest and evidence-based information. My advocacy extends to helping those who may benefit from the safe use and practice of CBD and cannabis. From Survivor to Ambassador, my story reflects the transformative power of cannabis in health and wellness, turning adversity into advocacy and despair into hope. This journey is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and using every platform available to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Ethan Zohn is a two-time cancer survivor, cannabis wellness advocate, and motivational speaker dedicated to promoting physical and mental health awareness. He is best known for his time on the pitch as a professional soccer player and for winning “Survivor: Africa” in 2002
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