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ESPNâs Dick Vitale shares unfortunate health update
TL;DR
Dick Vitale announced he has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, as confirmed by his oncologist on April 13. He plans to start immunotherapy and remains optimistic about overcoming this challenge.
Dick Vitale, who has called basketball games on ESPN since 1979, shared an unfortunate update on his health through the networkâs social media accounts April 13.
âToday, my oncologist, Dr. Brown, informed me that my biopsy results have confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in my lung and liver cavity,â Vitale said in the statement. âI will be starting immunotherapy shortly and I plan on winning this battle.
âIâve beaten melanoma. Iâve beaten lymphoma. Iâve beaten vocal cord cancer. Iâve beaten lymph node cancer. Iâm four-for-four and Iâm fully confident Iâm going to make it five-for-five.â
MORE: Legendary basketball coach, broadcaster Dick Vitale reveals health status
Vitale, 86, said on April 8 that tests showed âabnormalitiesâ but declined to elaborate further.
âI am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages lâve received from so many people,â Vitale said in his most recent statement. âIâm incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, and my ESPN family â led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro â has been absolutely terrific. Their support has inspired me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another battle.
âThe best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.â
MORE: ESPN reveals final day for 36-year NBA, WNBA broadcast legend
In 2008, Vitale was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Vitale called ESPNâs first-ever major NCAA basketball game on Dec. 5, 1979 (a 90-77 DePaul win over Wisconsin). Since then, heâs called more than 1,000 games according to the network.
âAt 86 years young, Iâve lived a hell of a life, and Iâm more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,â Vitale said. âNo child should ever have to go through what lâve experienced. I am grateful beyond words for all of the support lâve received, and Iâm already looking forward to this yearâs annual Gala on May 1. I really feel we will raise $12 million to add to the $105 million weâve already raised, all for pediatric cancer research.â
Q&A
What type of cancer has Dick Vitale been diagnosed with?
Dick Vitale has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.
When did Dick Vitale announce his health update?
Dick Vitale shared his health update on April 13 through ESPN's social media accounts.
What treatments is Dick Vitale planning to undergo for his cancer?
Dick Vitale plans to start immunotherapy as part of his treatment for melanoma.
