ESPN’s Dick Vitale shares unfortunate health update
· Yahoo Sports
Dick Vitale, who has called basketball games on ESPN since 1979, shared an unfortunate update on his health through the network’s social media accounts April 13.
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“Today, my oncologist, Dr. Brown, informed me that my biopsy results have confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in my lung and liver cavity,” Vitale said in the statement. “I will be starting immunotherapy shortly and I plan on winning this battle.
“I’ve beaten melanoma. I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal cord cancer. I’ve beaten lymph node cancer. I’m four-for-four and I’m fully confident I’m going to make it five-for-five.”
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Vitale, 86, said on April 8 that tests showed “abnormalities” but declined to elaborate further.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages l’ve received from so many people,” Vitale said in his most recent statement. “I’m incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, and my ESPN family – led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro – has been absolutely terrific. Their support has inspired me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another battle.
“The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.”
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In 2008, Vitale was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Vitale called ESPN’s first-ever major NCAA basketball game on Dec. 5, 1979 (a 90-77 DePaul win over Wisconsin). Since then, he’s called more than 1,000 games according to the network.
“At 86 years young, I’ve lived a hell of a life, and I’m more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” Vitale said. “No child should ever have to go through what l’ve experienced. I am grateful beyond words for all of the support l’ve received, and I’m already looking forward to this year’s annual Gala on May 1. I really feel we will raise $12 million to add to the $105 million we’ve already raised, all for pediatric cancer research.”