Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks announces he has Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The 33-year-old Australian made the announcement in a statement on Sunday night and begins treatment on Monday.

Hendriks said, “As a professional athlete, I have always been mindful of trying to use my position in the public eye for the most positive ends possible by shining a light on causes or issues that affect me, my wife and my family.” My family.

‘It’s in that spirit that I want to share some personal health news I’ve learned in the last few days, and do it on my own terms.

Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox has announced that he has non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hendriks, 33, said in a statement that he will start his treatment on Monday.

‘I was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Hearing the word ‘Cancer’ came as a shock to my wife and I, as well as millions of families each year.

‘However, I am determined to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination that I have used in facing other obstacles in my life.

‘My treatment starts tomorrow (Monday) and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible.

“I know that with the support of my wife, family, teammates and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care of my doctors, I will get through this.”

The five-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 73.8%, according to the National Cancer Institute. Some forms are aggressive while others are slow growing.

In November, Hendriks shared a photo with his wife Kristi celebrating nine years together.

“9 years later… we still have it,” he wrote.

Hendriks pictured with his wife Kristi, whom he mentioned in his emotional statement.

Hendriks joined the White Sox in 2021 on a three-year, $54 million contract with the team.

White Sox senior vice president and general manager Rick Hahn said: “Our thoughts and reactions right now are with Liam as a person, not with Liam as a baseball player.

“I know that the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, their teammates and, without a doubt, White Sox fans will be rooting for Liam and Kristi for months to come.

“Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic that he will return to pitching for the White Sox as soon as it is viable.

“In the meantime, we will all do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while respecting their privacy.

“We don’t expect to have updates on Liam’s playing status before Opening Day at the earliest.”

Hendriks joined the White Sox in 2021 and before that played for the Oakland A’s, Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins.

Hendriks was third in the majors with 37 saves and made his third All-Star team last season. He led the AL with a career-high 38 saves in 2021 after leaving Oakland to sign a three-year, $54 million contract with the White Sox.

Hendriks has 115 saves and a 3.81 ERA in 12 seasons with Minnesota, Toronto, Kansas City, Oakland and Chicago.