Dick Vitale sends heart-felt message amid cancer diagnosis

ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale reveled his second cancer diagnosis of 2021, drawing support from across the sport. After becoming a staple of college basketball over the past four decades, he 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 posted on Twitter. “Please know I appreciate so much that you care.”

As Vitale prepares to battle lymphoma with a series of steroid treatments and chemotherapy, he is determined to work. According to Vitale, he reached an agreement to continue color commentary through his treatment.

More on Dick Vitale’s diagnosis

The college basketball world received a blow Monday afternoon: legendary ESPN analyst Dick Vitale has been diagnosed with a form of cancer for the second time in as many months.

Vitale, who has been a central figure of the college basketball scene for years, also announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma. On Monday, he revealed he has been diagnosed with lymphoma.

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. At this time, he is allowed to continue working and will manage his schedule around his chemo treatments.

“The plan is to treat my lymphoma with steroids and six months of chemotherapy,” Dick Vitale wrote in a letter on ESPN. “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.”

He continued: “I will fight with all my heart in dealing with the chemo.”

Dick Vitale has worked to raise money for the fight against cancer, particularly for child forms over the years. He joined ESPN as a personality in 1979 and covered every Duke vs. UNC basketball game up until 2015. Vitale also recently signed a contract with the ESPN network through the 2022–23 season.