Trey Knight: Roller Skating With Cancer
On this episode of the Circuspreneur podcast honoring Mental Health Awareness Month, host Shenea Stiletto interviews World Champion Artistic Roller Skater, Founder of Stilt world, and Stage Four Cancer Survivor Trey Knight.
Trey Knight is a six time National Champion Artistic Roller Skater, who has worked with mega celebrities such as Pink, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, and Usher. After approximately 1.5 years of severe pain and several misdiagnoses, he was finally diagnosed in October 2019, where he found himself already in stage 4 cancer, which included the primary tumor, involvement of three lymph nodes, and a small tumor in his right lung.
Trey started harsh chemotherapy the Friday following the seven-show run of Debbie Allen’s annual Christmas show, “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.” Just a few months before the COVID shutdown in March 2020, which led to the cancellation of sporting events and entertainment gigs. In this powerful episode, Trey Knight bravely discusses nearly six years of treatment, his optimistic outlook on life as a creative, and the support of the Circus and Entertainment community during his time of need.
How did Trey Knight first discover his cancer diagnosis, and how did he cope with it during the pandemic shutdown?
Trey Knight described his journey to diagnosis as prolonged and challenging, marked by severe pain and multiple misdiagnoses. After experiencing bleeding at a world competition, he was urgently advised to go to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with stage four cancer in October 2019. Just after finishing a demanding performance schedule, Trey began intensive chemotherapy. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the entertainment industry shut down, forcing Trey to face not only the uncertainty of his career but also his battle with cancer. He described feeling isolated but found strength in having his mother by his side during major treatments. Despite the adversity, Trey continued to work when possible, even managing to perform in productions like Lucifer and The Goldbergs while undergoing treatment.
How has Trey’s experience with cancer changed his perspective on mental health, especially in the performing arts community?
Trey emphasized the importance of being open about his journey, noting that staying silent about illness in the entertainment industry often leads to isolation and lack of support. He pointed out that performers often fear being seen as weak or unbookable, which can lead to denying their struggles. Trey decided to be transparent about his experience, hoping to challenge the stigma around illness. He discussed how sharing his story not only helped him mentally but also inspired others facing similar challenges. Trey also stressed the need for stronger support networks within the artistic community to ensure that individuals battling serious health issues are not left to face them alone.
What are some of the financial challenges Trey faced during his treatment, and how did he manage them?
The financial burden of cancer treatment was immense for Trey, especially as a freelance performer. His medical expenses included costly chemotherapy cycles, surgeries, and hospital stays, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Trey highlighted the lack of sufficient insurance coverage and the high costs of specialized treatments like stereotactic radiosurgery. To manage these expenses, he relied on personal savings, insurance plans, and financial support through a GoFundMe campaign. Trey also expressed frustration with the American healthcare system, noting that even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs remained overwhelming. He advocated for more accessible healthcare, especially for artists and freelancers who may not have stable insurance.
How has Trey adapted his creative and professional life in light of his diagnosis?
Despite his health struggles, Trey remains creatively active. He continues to coach skating online and works on his long-term project, Stilt World, an immersive performance concept rooted in dream theory. Trey discussed how maintaining creative outlets, even at a reduced pace, has been crucial for his mental well-being. His passion for teaching and performing keeps him motivated, and he remains hopeful that he will eventually return to larger-scale productions. Trey’s story highlights the resilience and adaptability of artists when faced with life-changing challenges.
What message does Trey want to share with the artistic community regarding health advocacy and personal resilience?
Trey encourages others to be proactive about their health, emphasizing regular screenings and not ignoring symptoms. He believes that early detection could have significantly altered his own cancer journey. Trey also advocates for a more compassionate and supportive environment within the performing arts community, where people feel safe to share their struggles without fear of losing work. He underscores the importance of mental fortitude, visualization techniques, and staying informed about treatment options. Trey’s message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of community support.
In closing, Trey expressed his gratitude for the support he has received and remains optimistic despite ongoing challenges. His story serves as both a cautionary tale about the healthcare system and a powerful reminder of the strength required to endure such a journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience and Adaptability
Trey Knight’s journey through stage four cancer while maintaining a career in the performing arts highlights the immense resilience required to navigate both physical and emotional challenges. His determination to continue performing and mentoring, despite ongoing treatments and setbacks, serves as a powerful example of perseverance. - Challenges in the Performing Arts Industry
The podcast underscores the vulnerability of artists who face health challenges, particularly in an industry that often values physical endurance and consistent performance. Trey’s story brings to light the fear of being perceived as “damaged goods” and the lack of structural support for performers dealing with long-term illness. - Advocacy for Healthcare Reform
Trey’s battle with cancer reveals the immense financial strain caused by medical costs in the United States. His story emphasizes the need for better healthcare systems that do not force individuals to choose between life-saving treatment and financial ruin. - Mental Health and Community Support
Throughout his journey, Trey underscores the importance of community and the mental health struggles faced when a performer’s identity and livelihood are threatened by illness. He advocates for open conversations about the mental and emotional toll of dealing with both illness and career instability. - The Power of Openness and Support Networks
By sharing his story publicly, Trey not only sheds light on the hardships faced by performing artists but also encourages others to seek support and not suffer in silence. His advocacy work aims to dismantle the stigma around health struggles in the entertainment industry.
Support Trey Knight’s GOFUNDME for Ongoing Medical Expenses:
https://gofund.me/a2969401
Listen to this Episode on:
Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube
Shenea was also a finalist on America’s Got Talent and has continued to be a featured artist with prominent circus entertainment companies worldwide.
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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