Curt Schilling diagnosed with cancer

Some sad news surfaced on Wednesday afternoon, when former Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer. Schilling, who is currently serving as a baseball analyst for ESPN, released a statement through the company.

“I’ve always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges,” Schilling said in his statement. “We’ve been presented with another challenge, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer.

“Shonda and I want to send a sincere thank you and our appreciation to those who have called and sent prayers, and we ask that if you are so inclined, to keep the Schilling family in your prayers.

“My father left me with a saying that I’ve carried my entire life and tried to pass on to our kids: ‘tough times don’t last, tough people do.’ Over the years in Boston, the kids at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown us what that means. With my incredibly talented medical team I’m ready to try and win another big game. I’ve been so very blessed and I feel grateful for what God has allowed my family to have and experience, and I’ll embrace this fight just like the rest of them, with resolute faith and head on.”

ESPN did not comment on their plans for Schilling this upcoming season following his diagnosis, but they did voice their support in a statement of their own.

“Our thoughts are with Curt and his family during this challenging time,” ESPN said. “His ESPN teammates wish him continued strength in his cancer fight and we look forward to welcoming him back to our baseball coverage whenever he’s ready.”

We send our positive thoughts and prayers to Schilling as he deals with this difficult time.

With all of the tenacity and perseverance that he has shown on the diamond, we hope that he can pull through with one of the biggest wins of his life.