LAKEWOOD RANCH, CALIFORNIA: ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale has reportedly been suffering from a number of health issues lately. After being diagnosed with lymphoma and melanoma a few years ago, the 84-year-old shared that he now had vocal cord cancer.
In a statement on Twitter, Vitale wrote, “I'm sorry to share that I received tough news today from Dr. Zeitels about my throat. The tests on the tissues they removed showed that I have vocal cord cancer and will need 6 weeks of radiation to treat it. Dr. Z tells me that it has an extremely high cure rate and that radiation, not more surgery, is the best path.”
Is Dick Vitale OK?
However, the 84-year-old Hall of Famer is staying strong as he wrote, “I plan to fight like hell to be ready to call games when the college hoops season tips off in the Fall. Dr Z feels that scenario is entirely possible. This time last year, I was on the ESPYs stage, asking everyone to help in the cancer fight. This terrible disease strikes so many of our loved ones, and it's now knocked on my door three different times. More research will continue to help in this fight.”
“I’m grateful for my immediate family as well as my ESPN family for their incredible support, and so appreciative of the outstanding team of medical experts whose dedication has such a positive impact on so many lives,” Vitale added.
‘I must be on total voice rest for 6-8 weeks in recovery’
The update about Vitale’s health comes almost a month after he revealed that “past issues on my vocal cords have returned." In a June 22 tweet, the veteran sports commentator shared, “Rec’d some bad news, but when I realize it is minor to what some face daily I will fight to recover. Dr Zeitels acclaimed vocal cord surgeon has informed me my past issues on my vocal cords have returned. I must have 2 surgeries this summer-1st July 11 need ur [prayer emoji].”
“The biggest challenge is that I am currently on voice rest in preparation for surgery on July 11 & post surgery I must be on total voice rest for 6-8 weeks in recovery. That part is so frustrating as I feel trapped not being able to express myself. The positive news Dr Z is optimistic to have me ready for my 45th yr on @espn,” he tweeted.
However, there was a time when Vitale expressed his happiness over being cancer free. In August 2022, he said as per PEOPLE, “Dr Rick Brown just notified me with my results of my major Pet Scan & told me news I wish EVERY cancer patient can hear. He said 'Dick u have gone from being in remission to being CANCER FREE'! Thank u to ALL of YOU that have sent me (prayers).”
