Because I feel that since this is an MLB blog, baseball is what I should be writing about, I don’t write about other sports often. But I’m sitting at home writing out Christmas cards and I have NESN on because they’re about to being a press conference with Phil Kessel (and, according to NESN, his mom!!!!) and I think, given my activism where Jon Lester is concerned, it is worth mentioning.
For those of you not familiar with the name, Kessel is the 19 year-old rookie center for the Boston Bruins who had surgery for testicular cancer this week.
His doctor is speaking now. He says the cancer hasn’t spread, the outcome is excellent and the likelihood of recurrence is low. He also said that Phil should only need about two weeks’ rest before he can get back to playing.
I’m an old lady. (I’m not…I’m 37, but there are many days I feel ‘old’.) Watching this kid speak, I can’t get over how young he is. And, of course, Jon Lester comes to mind.
Right now I know so many (too many) people personally who are battling cancer. Some very young, some older…and I’m amazed at the progress that has been made over the years. I grew up in an era when most people diagnosed with cancer were given an immediate death sentence. Not so the case any longer. Thank God.
Phil just mentioned he wants to become a spokesperson for this and he just told younger folks to get themselves checked out if they think there is something wrong. He seems to be a sweet, soft-spoken kid. He played last Saturday knowing his diagnosis. Kid’s a gamer. I wish him the best.
(The reporters are using this time to ask the doctor specific questions about testicular cancer…it’s actually impressive. Nice work, folks.)
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