Alan Briggs is a man who radiates resilience, courage, and hope. Diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and terminal form of brain cancer, Alan’s journey is anything but easy. But what sets his story apart is not the diagnosis itself, but how he chooses to live each moment with positivity, determination, and an unyielding spirit.
When Alan first learned about his diagnosis in Ogden, Utah, it was a moment that changed everything. Glioblastoma is a formidable foe, and for most, the prognosis is grim—a journey averaging about 15 months. Alan had already surpassed that, and while he acknowledges the difficult road, he does so with a clarity and calm that is both humbling and inspiring.
Alan’s family has been his unwavering source of support. Though the news was understandably hard for his wife at first, together they’ve embraced the reality of what’s coming.
For many facing a terminal illness, the days can blur into a mix of treatments, fatigue, and uncertainty. Alan, however, has carved out a sanctuary in the form of his local gym.
“Gym is my favorite part of this journey,” Alan shares with a smile. Despite memory challenges caused by his cancer—where every workout has to be patiently explained to him anew by the kind staff—he finds solace and joy in being there. “I feel so good when I leave here. I’m tired—always tired—but I feel so good.”
Alan has a powerful message for others embarking on the cancer journey: give the gym a try. “If you can come to the gym, come, because it is so good,” he says. His advice is simple yet profound. Even amidst fatigue and the challenges of memory loss, Alan finds a way to push through, reminding us all that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary resilience.
Not every part of cancer is as inspiring as Alan’s gym visits. But as Alan puts it, “Getting through the nasty stuff is half the journey right there.” He adds with a determined smile, “Just keep playing. And I’m going to keep playing as long as I can. And I am gonna have fun!”