Chicago White-Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and that his treatment will begin this week.
In an Instagram post released yesterday evening, Hendriks alerted fans to his condition alongside pictures of himself in uniform.
“As a professional athlete, I have always been mindful to try to use my position in the public eye to the most positive ends possible by shining a light on causes or issues that touch close to home for myself, my wife and my family. It is in that spirit that I want to share some personal health news I have learned in the past few days, and do so on my own terms.
“Recently I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hearing the word “Cancer” came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year. However, I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life.
“My treatment begins tomorrow, and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”
In the immediate aftermath of his statement, White Sox players and personnel have rallied around the All-Star, showing support for him in whatever way they can. White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn had this to say about the news in an official press release shared by James Fagan on Twitter:
White Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced he’s been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Here’s a statement from GM Rick Hahn on the news. The team does not plan on having an update on Hendriks’ playing status prior to opening day “at the earliest,” as he focuses on recovery. pic.twitter.com/LQDMZZCma2
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) January 9, 2023
“Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player. I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months. Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable. In the meantime, we all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while also respecting their privacy.”
Hahn also added that given the nature of the treatment, the team does not “expect to have any updates on Liam’s playing status prior to Opening Day at the very earliest.”
Hendriks, 33, is from Perth, Australia and would be entering his 13th season in Major League Baseball. The 3-time All-Star led the league in saves in 2021 and won back-to-back American League Reliever of the Year awards in 2020 and 2021.
Former MLB player Luke Hughes Tweeted about Hendrik’s importance to the growing baseball scene in Australia, and how that entire nation is standing with him during this challenge:
Today my thoughts are with Liam Hendriks. Over the past decade he has lead the charge representing all Australians at the Major League level. Tomorrow he starts his biggest challenge. We’re right there with you mate. pic.twitter.com/IzUJ7gHxXc
— Luke Hughes (@lukehughes38) January 9, 2023
“Today my thoughts are with Liam Hendriks. Over the past decade he has lead the charge representing all Australians at the Major League level. Tomorrow he starts his biggest challenge. We’re right there with you mate.”
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