Dick Vitale gives health update following cancer diagnosis
Legendary college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale gave an update Monday on his upcoming cancer treatments, asking for prayers from his fans. Vitale shared nearly a month ago that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, just months after revealing that he had been diagnosed with melanoma.
Dick Vitale provides update on cancer treatments
Vitale shared on Twitter a very personal update on his upcoming cancer treatments, as he prepares to undergo chemotherapy. The veteran broadcaster plans to finish his treatments and get back to his passion of calling college basketball games.
“I have a big day Tuesday at the new oncology center at Sarasota Memorial Hospital where I will have my chemotherapy. If ALL goes well my doctors said that they would clear me to do what I LOVE, call games on ESPN. By the way Chemo treatments. Please [pray for me] as that would be my BEST medicine.”
The college basketball world was sent into shock at the news that Vitale had been diagnosed with a second form of cancer so soon after his melanoma diagnosis. The former NBA coach underwent multiple surgeries to remove melanoma, which is now clear. Vitale has been told by doctors that the two cancers are unrelated.
“The plan is to treat my lymphoma with steroids and six months of chemotherapy,” Dick Vitale previously wrote in a letter on ESPN explaining his treatments. “The medical experts tell me it has a 90% cure rate. They say I can continue to work so I will have to manage my work schedule around my chemo schedule as they will monitor my test results along the way.”
“I will fight with all my heart in dealing with the chemo.”
Vitale has worked to raise money for the fight against cancer, particularly for child forms. He joined ESPN as a personality in 1979 and covered every Duke vs. UNC basketball game up until 2015. He recently signed a contract with the network through the 2022–23 season.
After Vitale announced his second cancer diagnosis, he drew immediate support from across the sport. Vitale has become a staple of college basketball over the past four decades and has cemented a special place in the hearts of coaches, fans and players. Many of college basketball’s biggest moments are forever associated with his unique cadence and flourishing vocabulary.
Now, as he faces difficult times, the college basketball world hopes to give back the joy he gave them. A flurry of social media responses and statements on Vitale’s importance touched him deeply.
“Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and support as I plan on fighting with all my heart to win this battle,” Vitale previously posted on Twitter. “Please know I appreciate so much that you care.”
On3’s Pete Nakos contributed to this article.