Major League baseball star Liam Hendriks to begin cancer treatment

A shock cancer diagnosis has hit the career of an Aussie Major League Baseball star, who has vowed to “embrace the fight”.

Australian MLB star Liam Hendriks has vowed to “embrace the fight” after the three-time All-Star announced he was beginning cancer treatment after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Hendriks, who is in the final year of a three-year $54m contract he signed with the Chicago White Sox, confirmed the diagnosis on a social media post.

“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,” he wrote in an Instagram post.

Earlier Sunday evening, Liam Hendriks announced he is beginning treatment tomorrow for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We’re all with you, Liam! 💚 pic.twitter.com/iLF1IpByp5

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 9, 2023

“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 organisation, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”

Hendriks, 33, has played in the MLB for 12 seasons with five different clubs across a journey that has included his three All-Star selections.

White Sox senior vice-president and general manager Rick Hahn said the club would fully support Hendriks during his battle.

“Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player,” Hahn said in a statement.

“I know the entire Chicago White Sox organisation, 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.”

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the sixth most common type of cancer in men and has a 75 per cent survival rate after five years.

Originally published as Major League baseball star Liam Hendriks to begin cancer treatment