Dick Vitale details road ahead, prepares to battle cancer for fourth time

SARASOTA, Fla. - Cancer once again has put a full-court press on Dick Vitale.

The 85-year-old ESPN college basketball analyst recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous lymph node from his neck. Doctors also removed 26 surrounding lymph nodes. Once Vitale recovers from the surgery, he will undergo six weeks of radiation. In June 2023, Vitale finished 35 radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer.

His voice still weak, Vitale texted his responses in a brief Q&A with Sarasota Herald-Tribune sportswriter Doug Fernandes.

Question: What was the procedure you underwent?

Vitale: I am currently recovering from surgery on July 1 to remove a cancerous lymph node in my neck, and also the removal of 26 surrounding lymph nodes. The pathology report was  that one of the 26 had cancer potential, thus Dr. Peter Vosler, the surgeon, and Dr. Rick Brown, the oncologist, feel I need six weeks of radiation treatments daily to wipe out any potential cancerous lymph nodes to avoid any spreading. I must totally heal from the recent surgery before radiation can start. The feeling is I should be cleared to start in the middle of August. I am trying to stay active as it really helps me emotionally and mentally.

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Can your doctors make any projections or predictions after you finish your radiation? Should you be in the clear?

Vitale: My oncologist and surgeon feel that if I have a successful six weeks of radiation that we would be very optimistic that we would be moving in a positive direction. Before I can start the radiation, I must be healed from the recent surgery. At the moment I am in recovery and I am dealing with some numbness and no feeling on the right side of my neck, which was expected. Hoping that the recovery in time gets me to where we can get started with the radiation.

You have had quite a few medical issues the last two or three years. How tough has it been maintaining a positive outlook?

Vitale: It really has been an emotional and mental challenge as I am now going through my fourth cancer battle. It started with melanoma followed by lymphoma, then vocal cord cancer and now the lymph node cancer surgery. However, through it all, I have stayed active and been so inspired and motivated by all the prayers and messages I have received from so many. I always try to reflect and think about all the courageous youngsters who have been at my Galas and what they have gone through. They have been so helpful in sharing their feelings with me. My family support has been vital in my various cancer battles and that is a major plus.

Question: Are you concerned that you'll never be able to resume your broadcasting career? What have doctors told you about your voice returning?

Vitale: Obviously, I would love to be able to sit at courtside and do what I love: talk about what is happening in college basketball. At this moment, I am simply focusing on what I am currently dealing with and that is to follow the advice of my medical team and become cancer-free at the conclusion of my six weeks of radiation treatments. I went through the radiation on my vocal cords and it was successful in wiping the cancer out. I was able to deal with the side effects at that time and I hope I can again.

You like to top the money raised at each successive Dick Vitale Gala, which raises awareness and proceeds in the fight against cancer. How will it be possible to exceed the $24 million raised at the last one?

Vitale: My biggest goal is to raise dollars for kids battling that vicious disease more than ever after going through my own battles. I have lived a fantastic blessed life with a great wife Lorraine and family. Plus, for more than four decades doing what I love and that's talking basketball on ESPN, which is my second family. I can’t stress enough how caring Jimmy Pitaro, the CEO of ESPN, and my many colleagues have constantly shared inspirational messages. I am lucky and I think of all the young people I have gotten to know over the years and I just think it is totally unfair for young kids to have to deal with the scans, bloodwork, chemotherapy, and radiation that you must deal with.  I am hoping that our 2025 Gala on May 2 will be successful in raising the necessary dollars that will get us to exceed $100 million for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation since starting our Gala. My team, headed by Mary Kenealy and Janet Allen, are dedicated to making our 20th Annual Gala on May 2nd  a big-time success. Please join our team, and if you are financially able, please make a donation at dickvitale.com as every dollar will help young people fighting this brutal disease. I want to close by saying thank you to all of you who have been so generous and kind over the years.