In 2021, celebrated ESPN sportscaster Dick Vitale was diagnosed with lymphoma after he had to go through several surgeries for melanoma. Lymphoma is a form of cancer of the lymphatic system, and Vitale had shared his journey on his social media handles. A donation platform was also set up to help Vitale with expenses, although the legendary basketball analyst had battled through it successfully. But in July 2023, Vitale started his battle anew after a vocal cord cancer diagnosis. However, now, in an optimistic development, Vitale has finally announced that he is cancer-free.

“OMG my Dr Rick Brown said that my PET SCAN was a success .He said to me 4 words that cancer patients LOVE to hear “YOU ARE CANCER FREE” thanks so much for all ur 🙏🙏,” wrote Vitale on his X account. Vitale, in just past 4 years have gone through his 4th bout of cancer, and has battled with them all, showcasing ultimate resiliency.

After Vitale’s 2021 diagnosis, he underwent a comprehensive treatment and successfully battled it. “IT IS A WRAP, BABY. I’m in total REMISSION. Appreciate all the kindness,” wrote the analyst on his X account at the time. However, within months, Vitale was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer after earlier issues surfaced, requiring immediate attention. To tackle the illness, Vitale went through two separate surgeries that were followed by 35 rounds of radiation therapy. Vitale, through sheer determination, emerged from it too in September 2023. However, another problem was still persisting for the legendary announcer.

Despite Vitale’s successful recovery from lymphatic cancer, a regular biopsy check around June 2024 revealed swollen lymph nodes, indicating his fourth bout of cancer. The sportscaster then quickly underwent surgery in July this year to remove his 26 swollen lymph nodes, which involved another 30 rounds of radiation therapy. That finally enabled the 87-year-old announcer to return to his job in February this year. Although some of the treatments were still ongoing, despite Vitale’s comeback in the press box. Now, with his announcement, Vitale confirms that he is fully recovered and probably all treatments are probably finally over.

Dick Vitale sends a heartfelt message to CFB Hall of Famer David Pollack’s wife

The relationship of the coach-turned broadcaster is deeply embedded in the basketball world, with Vitale having joined the scene in 1979. Before that, Vitale was coaching the Detroit Pistons and was also an assistant at Rutgers. His journey is then closely compared to legendary CFB broadcaster Lee Corso, who himself came from coaching and established a die-hard fandom. Battling cancer, though, has given Dick Vitale a whole new perspective on life as he now spends his better part of his time in cancer awareness. Recently, Vitale sent a heartfelt message to CFB Hall of Famer David Pollack’s wife.

“If you are the praying type, please lift my wife, Lindsey. She has brain cancer, and surgery is on Wednesday at Duke,” wrote Pollack in a post. Vitale quickly spread the message on his X account and urged folks to pray for Pollack’s wife. “Please, ppl take a moment & say [a prayer] for [David Pollack’s] wife, a fantastic recovery from brain surgery she had today,” wrote Vitale.

Vitale’s influence now that he has battled 4 bouts of cancer and made a comeback is ever more increased, which was already touching the roof. In a career spanning over 40 years, Vitale has become an icon in the basketball community, garnering catchphrases like “diaper dandy.” A few years back, the Emmy Awards honored Vitale for his contributions, giving him a Lifetime Achievement Award.