CNN
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Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks said he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, the 33-year-old expressed his determination to fight the disease – cancer of the lymphatic system.
“As a professional athlete, I have always been concerned with trying to use my position in the public eye for the most positive purposes possible by highlighting causes or issues that affect close to home, my wife and my family,” Hendriks said.
“Hearing the word ‘Cancer’ was a shock to my wife and I, as it is to millions of families each year. However, I am determined to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination that I used facing other obstacles in my life,” he said.
Hendriks said his treatment would begin on Monday and he was “confident” of a full recovery.
The White Sox shared their support for the Australian pitcher.
“Our thoughts and reactions right now are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. said in a statement.
“I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, teammates and certainly the White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi over the coming months.
“Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will all do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family in the face of this. this challenge, while respecting their privacy,” Hahn said.
Hendriks played for the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics and White Sox in 12 seasons. He has a career 3.81 ERA, 724 strikeouts and 115 saves.
