NEWPORT BEACH — Amid death and cancer, Rich Saul can still smile.
He was grinning plenty Wednesday, not just because he was receiving an award but also because he had another day of life.
Saul, a Newport Beach resident and former NFL great who is battling leukemia, received the patient courage award from the American Cancer Society at the Newport Beach Marriott.
The award is given to the cancer patient or survivor who has shown exceptional courage in the fight with cancer, and who typically helps the American Cancer Society reach out and motivate others in the fight against cancer.
"I get a lot of satisfaction in giving," Saul said after being honored. "That's where I get most of my satisfaction. It's not the Pro Bowls. It's because God allowed me to live another year."
While a group of cancer survivors and volunteers occasionally gasped, emcee Lori Smith read off Saul's accomplishments and tragedies. In September, Saul lost his older brother to colon cancer. Recently, Saul's leukemia intensified and he underwent three straight months of chemotherapy. Saul's twin brother, Ron, battled prostate cancer two years ago.
Saul stood off to the side, sometimes smiling, waiting to speak. He was the last to be honored at the event that recognized volunteers in Orange County.
While playing center for the Los Angeles Rams, he was known to be an expert in battling in the trenches. Now, figuratively, he's the same.
"Eight years ago I was diagnosed with cancer," said Saul, who had already been raising money in the name of cancer before the diagnosis. "I went from talking about it to being a poster child…. The cancer I had morphed into leukemia and then again into a stronger leukemia. But, it's all good. That platform of football was getting old anyhow. I needed a new platform."
Saul has served as the honorary chair for the Orange County Region's Corporate Challenge Cup golf tournament for the last 16 years, raising money for cancer. He's already helped sell out the golf tournament in May at Santa Ana Country Club, which will bring in approximately $200,000.
