Former ISHOF CEO Brent Rutemiller Again Battling Cancer; Attitude Remains Strong For Latest Fight

Former ISHOF CEO Brent Rutemiller Again Battling Cancer; Attitude Remains Strong For Latest Fight

Brent Rutemiller, who retired earlier this summer as the CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the Publisher of Swimming World Magazine, has announced he is once again battling cancer. In May, Rutemiller revealed that, following a stem-cell transplant, his cancer was in remission. Unfortunately, recent tests indidcated that the cancer returned, which will necessitate a new approach to fighting the disease.

Next month, on Sept. 16, Rutemiller will undergo a procedure in which his T-Cells will be harvested and sent off to be genetically modified. Four weeks later, those cells will be infused into his body, with the process requiring a two-week hospital stay for observation.

Throughout his fight against cancer, Rutemiller’s attitude has been a driving force. It allowed him to reach a point of remission and has enabled him to endure the numerous medical procedures he has undergone. Always operating with a sense of humor, Rutemiller used his Facebook post to celebrate five months with “a beautiful head of curly hair.” He also noted that the genetic modification of his T-Cells will make him a “Genetically Modified Organism” capable of battling any of the Marvel characters.

Through his battle, Brent has routinely proven himself to be courageous, resilient, upbeat, supportive of others and someone whose approach should be a model. We wish him all the best as he continues his fight.

Here is Rutemiller’s full Facebook post:

Many More Miles To Go…

My Stem Cell Transplant did not work. My Multiple Myeloma blood cancer has ticked up. Mayo called last week and said that they were going with a new treatment. The previous four types of treatment have not worked. However, the stem cell transplant did buy me 5 wonderful months and a very handsome head of curls – if I do so say myself.

Mayo will harvest my T-Cells to genetic modify them with the instructions on how to kill the cancer in my blood. Pretty cool!!

They will harvest my T-Cells on September 16 and send them off to be genetically modified. T-cells are part of the immune system. They help protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer. Memory T cells are stored in the lymph nodes and spleen and may provide lifetime protection against a specific toxin or foreign substance.

Four weeks later, on October 25th, the cells will return to Phoenix and will be infused back into my body. (Just in time for Halloween)
I will then officially become a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and be able to join Antman, Spiderman, and the Hulk as a peer! Just need to prove my superhero status.

So, I have begun my mental and physical training to take on this nemesis who threatens the universe. Back to the pool and mountains!

Join Rutemiller’s Army Facebook Group to help me fight this terrible enemy of the universe!

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Larry Liebowitz

1 year ago

Keep up the fight! You are an inspiration to others of us with cancer

Jay Fitzgerald

1 year ago

Brent keep up the fight! You are a winner, all the best!

Jay Fitzgerald

Ernest Maglischo

1 year ago

Brent, so sorry to hear that your cancer has returned. Your fight against this disease has, I’m sure, been an inspiration to others who are suffering with cancer now and those who will fight cancer in the future. You have set a standard for dealing with this disease that will save lives in the future. I hope yours will be one of them. Keep fighting