The 27-year-old was proclaimed a Ph.D. during a ceremony on Friday in his hospital bed. Grindy contracted ewing sarcoma, a form of cancer that attacks the nerves around your bones. Grindy continued to serve as FSU's director of debate, even while going through treatment. Just two weeks ago, while in his bed, Grindy was still coaching up his students. Last week FSU decided to expedite his graduation in doctoral studies.