ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale received a vocal cord cancer diagnosis, the Hall of Famer revealed on Wednesday.
In 2021, lymphoma and melanoma were discovered in 84-year-old Vitale.
In a statement, Vitale said, “I regret to inform you that Dr. Zeitels gave me difficult news regarding my throat today. “The tests on the tissues they removed revealed that I have vocal cord cancer, and the recommended course of treatment is 6 weeks of radiation. According to Dr. Z, radiation therapy rather than additional surgery is the best course of action because it has a very high rate of cure. “.
Since the network’s inception in 1979, Vitale has worked for ESPN. He stated that he will “fight like hell” to be ready to return to the network when the college basketball season begins in the fall. This is “entirely possible,” according to his doctor, Vitale wrote, adding that he is “so touched” by the encouragement he has received from fans.
Cancer “Doesn’t Discriminate,” Says Jimmy V Award Winner Dick Vitale in Moving Speech at 2022 ESPYs.
When the ESPYs were taking place at this time last year, Vitale was on stage pleading for support in the fight against cancer. It has now knocked on my door three times. This terrible disease affects so many of our loved ones. More study will continue to aid in this battle. “.
At the conclusion of his statement, Vitale said that he is “grateful” for his family and the ESPN family for “their incredible support” and that he is “so appreciative of the outstanding team of medical experts whose dedication has such a positive impact on so many lives. “.
A few weeks ago, Vitale made an announcement in which he claimed that his doctor had informed him that “past issues on my vocal cords” had returned. He underwent two operations, the first of which was on July 11, and was required to completely rest his vocal chords while recovering for six to eight weeks.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: On July 20, 2022, in Hollywood, California, Dick Vitale attends the ESPYs at the Dolby Theatre. (Image courtesy of Momodu Mansaray/WireImage).
Vitale, Dick.
By MOMODU MANSARAY/WIREIMAGE.
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He wrote on June 22: “That part is so frustrating because I feel trapped and unable to express myself. “The good news is that Dr. Z is confident I’ll be ready for my 45th year on @espn. “.
In an essay for ESPN’s Front Row published in October 2021, the basketball broadcaster and former coach revealed his cancer diagnosis. A few weeks after disclosing his melanoma diagnosis, he said he had also been given the diagnosis of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphatic system. Vitale tweeted in August 2022 that his doctor had declared him cancer-free.
At the 2017 ESPY Awards, Vitale was presented with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
He then gave an emotional acceptance speech.
Vitale, Dick.
Vitale, Dick.
GETTY/ETHAN MILLER.
Dick Vitale, a broadcast announcer, went three months without speaking while undergoing cancer treatments.
No kid or child should undergo radiation or chemotherapy, Vitale said. “Cancer strikes anyone at any time, after all. You will fall to your knees no matter your race or religion. There is only one way to defeat cancer, my friends; we must raise money to give oncologists a chance. “.
Remember that perseverance plus passion plus pride equals “win” in the game of life, Vitale advised, encouraging people to “keep chasing your dreams, keep chasing your goals.”. “.
