21 April 2023 , 16:22
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MLB star Liam Hendriks was overcome with emotion as he celebrated beating cancer.
Chicago White Sox ace Hendriks, 34, took to Instagram yesterday to announce he was in remission after undergoing treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The pitcher took to the social media platform to post a series of pictures and videos documenting his progress overcoming the disease.
The caption read: “How It Started VS How It's Going.... REMISSION. It's official. I'm cancer free,” alongside the praying hands emoji. Major League Baseball took to the comments and wrote: “Tremendous news! So happy for you, Liam."
The MLB Players Association added: “We couldn't be happier for you @hendriks_31.” The pitcher announced his diagnosis back in January and came to the end of his chemotherapy treatment back a fortnight ago.
Earlier this month he paid tribute to his wife online, thanking her for her unwavering support throughout his diagnosis. “You held my hand every step of the way," he wrote.
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“You were my voice of confidence and always made sure I felt loved and safe throughout it all. Love you.” Also in the post, he thanked the medical team for their efforts in treating him as he battled through such a challenging period in his life.
"You never think you will be the one who hears ‘you have cancer’ but there I was… in shock and fear not knowing what comes next," he added. "I started treatment after SO many life altering appointments on January 9th, 2023. Every 28 days, I would have another round.
The 34-year-old announced his diagnosis in January and ended his chemotherapy treatment a fortnight ago (Instagram/hendriks_31)“Every 28 days, I got closer to the PET scan that would dictate how many more rounds there would be. Every 28 days, I got closer to this moment. These past 5 months have been both the quickest and slowest of my life. Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done.
“I cannot thank my team of doctors and nurses enough for coming up with the best medical plan for me. No words can express the gratitude I have for them saving my life." It is unknown when Hendriks may return to the White Sox fold, but last month the team chose not to place him on the 60-day injured list.
"I’ll see you guys on the South Side soon. Play ball," he said prior to the White Sox’s opening home game of the season against the San Francisco Giants earlier this month. His team came off a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday and are currently fourth in the AL Central.