ESPN’s Dick Vitale Announces Another Cancer Diagnosis After Beating Previous Two

Dick Vitale has shared the heartbreaking news about getting a THIRD cancer diagnosis!

The former head coach, who has been calling games for ESPN for over forty years, wrote in a social media statement that he has vocal cord cancer requiring nearly two months of radiation treatment.

The veteran sportscaster had previously battled — and won — lymphatic cancer and melanoma. He had also lost his voice for four months after undergoing surgeries to repair the precancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions discovered on his vocal cords.

Life does not seem to be going well for Vitale, who told his 948k followers of his latest health problems early Thursday morning. The longtime ESPN college basketball analyst had attached a screenshot of his statement alongside the caption:

"This is an update on my meeting today with Dr ZEITELS. Though I was disappointed with the pathology report, I plan on winning this battle like I did vs Melanoma & Lymphoma !"

In the attached announcement, the 84-year-old wrote that he had been diagnosed with cord cancer, resulting in him undergoing six weeks of radiation to treat the disease. After noting that surgery was unexpected, he said his doctor informed him that the condition had an "extremely high cure rate."

The "Living a Dream" author declared his intention to "fight like hell" so he can return to ESPN when the college basketball season officially kicks off in the fall. Luckily, his doctor believes the plan is "entirely possible," as he added that he is "so touched by the tweets, texts, notes, and prayers" from concerned parties. 

He then recalled "asking everyone to help in the cancer fight" during the 30th annual ESPY ceremony, which was held around this time last year. Wrapping up the proclamation, Vitale penned his gratitude for his family and the ESPN clan 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."

Quoting the tweet, one fan told the Seton Hall University graduate recipient that he had already proven "how strong" he is and that he "will beat this too." A second person tweeted, "Legitimately one of the nicer people you'll ever meet, and his love for ball is genuine. Get right and get back to work, sir."

"Wishing you the best in yet another challenge. You have so many cheerleaders," a third Twitter user communicated, as a fourth reiterated, "All the prayers to you Dickie V! We are all in your corner. You will get through this!" 

A fifth person encouraged, "Give that cancer hell, Dickie. We need our #1 PTP'er to bring back the W! ?," and a sixth chimed, "You bring light and a joy for life to so many of us. You are such a warrior in the fight against cancer. We'll continue to be your prayer warriors as you fight this battle."

College basketball fans had similarly surrounded Vitale with their love in 2021 when he shared two cancer diagnoses within two months. At the time, The Blast reported that he was scheduled to undergo chemotherapy and receive steroids for six months.

The father-of-two had equally vowed to "fight hard" against the diseases and return to television screens stronger than ever. Vitale's doctors declared him "cancer free" in August 2022.

Regarding his speech during last year's ESPY Awards, PEOPLE highlighted that he made it while accepting the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, presented to him by "Mad Men" star John Hamm.

Although he spent much of the acceptance address lauding the Jimmy V Foundation, which funds research into finding a cure for cancer, he said at one point that "no kid or child should be going through chemo or radiation." Later on, the '90s Taco Bell TV ads star asserted:

"[Cancer] doesn't discriminate; it comes after all. It doesn't matter race or religion; it will bring you to your knees. There's only one way to beat it, my friends; we have to raise dollars and give oncologists a fighting chance."

The "En Fuego" singer finished his monologue with a call to action to "keep chasing your dreams, keep chasing your goals. Just remember: perseverance, plus passion, plus pride, equals 'win' in the game of life."

According to ESPN, the Jimmy V Award is received by a "deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination."