How a student's friendship with Auburn coach Bruce Pearl gave him the strength to beat leukemia

Sam Cunningham was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 12. Seven years later, he's now the Auburn men's basketball team manager. Steve Hartman has his story in "On the Road."
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[@mikehubbard9617]

Wow! Auburn so blessed to have Bruce! Such a great heart!

[@redpatriotnews]

What an incredible story of resilience and the power of supportive relationships! It's truly inspiring to see how connections with others, especially figures like Coach Bruce Pearl, can provide such a strong source of strength and motivation during challenging times. This student's journey, battling leukemia with the encouragement from someone he admired, highlights the incredible impact of compassion, mentorship, and friendship. It's a beautiful reminder that no one is alone in their struggles and that, with the right support, overcoming even the toughest obstacles is possible. Stories like these underscore the importance of community and the positive influence it can have on our lives, especially during our darkest hours.

[@Goldie789]

Those are 2 amazing people who were meant to cross paths. They really needed each other and are both better bcuz of their friendship. I feel like the coach guy brings out his friends strength, and the small, young man brings out his friends' kindness and compassion. It's a beautiful friendship. My favorite part is that now they coach together!! That's amazing. 👍🏻

[@MatthewsFav]

This brought tears to my eyes. That coach is an amazing man and a true hero for what he has done for this young man.

[@christophersantana5895]

A SPECTACULAR REPORT BY STEVE HARTMAN.

[@DS-Zoomie]

God Bless All! Much Love to you both! 🙏❤️

[@chrisalexander1274]

I love Bruce, not just because I’m an Auburn fan, but because he’s such a genuine person. Amazing

[@dadbodmakeover8077]

So blessed to have BP as our head ball coach. God bless you and your Family, Sam. Yours too BP❤

[@redpatriotnews]

This story truly warms the heart, doesn't it? It's incredible to see how powerful relationships and support networks can be, especially during challenging times. Bruce Pearl's friendship with the student is a testament to the fact that sometimes, it's the unexpected bonds that bring us the most strength. It's amazing how someone's presence, encouragement, and genuine care can make a significant difference in another person's battle. It's a beautiful reminder of the impact kindness and support can have on someone's life, helping them to overcome even the toughest challenges. Stories like this inspire us all to be that source of strength for others, showing the importance of community and connection. Let's all take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives who have been our pillars during difficult times.

[@pissedoffpennsylvanian]

❤ Compassion, Dedication, Strength and a Fighting Spirit are truly the greatest gifts of life! Great story ❤

[@thomasrcoonable]

Saw this last night on CBS news. Good man.

[@hermanmunster714]

Great Coach. Great Team. 🙏 for Auburn! The Lord works in mysterious ways@

[@loganmclemore9394]

Love ya Bruce

[@rblfrmthewstdwn]

Dang coach…this really touched me…on the court you have always been a thorn in my side as a lifelong Kentucky fan….but I gotta say that you are a class act and more coaches should use their platform to make a difference in the world. If we play Auburn in March I hope we destroy you haha but anytime our cats are not playing against your tigers I will root for you and your team any day

[@colorfulmarbles156]

As a Flordia fan for teams in the SEC #@:3

[@colorfulmarbles156]

Same

[@NicholasP1983]

These stories always give me so much hope 😊 thank you to all the kind and loving individuals whom are still in this world

[@coolkoreamag]

Again and again I'm crying, gosh Steve these segments about AMAZING PEOPLE is truly something.

[@mysticwanderer4787]

We hear all of the bad things about college sports but all too often not the good and decent side of those who participate. Bruce Pearl has always been this way. Firey and demanding of his players on and off the court but a true players coach because all of them know he truly cares about them as human beings and will do anything to help them become the best men they can be. His comment "take me" is in keeping with who he is as a person and he would say the same thing if one of his players was faced with the same challenge. I won't say he is one of a kind but I will say there are very few like him in any endeavor in or outside of college sports.

[@suewalker1590]

I believe in Auburn and love it

[@laylatang6081]

War Eagle

[@christophersantana5895]

So Do I l.

[@TreeHouseClubTV]

Man, it wasn't long ago we heard the bad about Bruce Pearl. I'm glad to see this show an amazing, strong, compassionate side of the man, who is a leader of our young men

[@blackout07blue]

I’m not sure what bad has ever been said about him. I thought it was just recruiting money violations.

[@TreeHouseClubTV]

@@blackout07blue he was suspended school put on probation was said to have run an unethical program with no oversight of the people under him. None of which is good press. He has a complicated history with following ncaa rules. Not that I even care about that just nice to see a good story about him.

[@russellshoemaker4412]

​@TreeHouseClubTV He was accused of having a barbecue for recruits & not being honest about it. It's a long stretch saying he has a history of not following ncaa rules

[@jeffa964]

Steve Hartman is the GOAT! God bless him and Sam Cunningham!

[@Swnsasy]

What a beautiful, beautiful story!! Cancer sure enough did!!

[@toddstein5407]

Coach Pearl has always been a fun and interesting person, but this ups my respect for him.

[@charlenemack7040]

Is it just me, or does Sam not have the most beautiful eyes You’ve ever seen? 😊

[@californiagoldfish]

War eagle for life

[@jennifermarcum2231]

Always a wonderful story from Steve❤

[@matthewmolkentin6230]

Bruce Pearl is a class act.

[@robs6177]

That's our Bruce. Love him! War Eagle!

[@cheri7054]

Awesome story!!!!!! Keep them coming Steve

[@alexandersupertramp7353]

This is what our government should strive to be!

[@robertsimonson2341]

wow, thanks

[@jchambers1970]

Proud Auburn fan here, we feel so blessed to have a man of integrity like Bruce Pearl as our Basketball coach. He really is a man of God and does so much for the community. Plus, he has brought championships to Auburn Basketball.

[@HardyGirl66]

Why are these recorded so softly and louder when on CBS Sunday morning?

[@redh8606]

Welcome to my hometown ❤❤

[@khon6339]

kid smart using coach as reference to get in auburn. got to prepare ahead of time

[@BEASTX7EDITZ]

I watch this all the time in school

[@russellshoemaker4412]

GOD is able!

[@user-me7on8eb7x]

Jen Howell

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Ahhh Auburn!! Do they ever have some fans in Andalusia!

[@bobbiojoseph5547]

anyone else think Sam Cunningham looks like his coach Bruce Pearl?

[@user-vh2pw2qz1x]

That’s my cousin! ❤😅😂

[@BLAB-it5un]

As good as this gesture is and obviously the focus should be and is on someone dealing with childhood cancer, to hear a grown man with an education in the 21st century still appealing to a god is truly embarrassing. If a god is manipulating people's very survival based on superstitious emotional appeals by way of the spectacularly delusion concept of prayer then there is no point doing anything else. It is cringeworthy to contemplate how many people are still so brainwashed to think we are under the control of a god. So your god that's worthy of praise inflicts a child with a horrific illness and then saves him only if you pray to him enough? Truly sad that people think this is a rational or intelligent or logical thing to think or to do particularly at a university. Humanity has a lot of growing up yet to do.

[@mikebroadway6185]

Yet the true ignorance is downing people for having faith, which gives them comfort. It's a 2 way street man just live your life. If you wish to live without faith, do it. You do not have to down folks because they don't believe the way you do. Unless that's what gives you comfort, then you might want to rethink your life.

[@russellshoemaker4412]

There's power in prayer... witnessed it countless times,& only you said GOD inflicted this disease on Sam. Could it have been the enemy instead? GOD graced & loved you enough to bless you with life & hears you but still loves you. I hope you repent & believe JESUS died for your sins so you will be saved from eternal separation from our perfect GOD. It's your free will to decide... Come home oh sinner, come home

[@JayTrav304]

It's a great thing that the faith of the rest of us is not predicated upon your disbelief.