Minnesota Timberwolves: Flip Saunders Diagnosed With Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves is currently facing a bigger challenge than trying to get the franchise back to the NBA playoffs. Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Flip Saunders has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A press release sent out by the Timberwolves says that the cancer is very treatable and curable.
Saunders has known about this for eight weeks and it was found during an exam with Timberwolves Vice President of Team Medical Services Sheldon Burns and started immediately with the treatment with a team from the Mayo Clinic.
Saunders released a statement in the press release which can be found on Timberwolves.com:
"“I am taking it step by step and day by day to understand how to best manage this process,” said Saunders, who has attended to all of his team duties throughout the period of diagnosis and treatment.“I want to thank Dr. Burns as well as my medical team at Mayo Clinic for their hard work in diagnosing my situation and creating a plan to help me achieve a cancer-free outcome. I am attacking this with the same passion I do everything in my life, knowing this is a serious issue. I also know that God has prepared me to fight this battle.”"
It is expected that Saunders will continue with all of his roles with the Timberwolves as he undergoes treatment. It seems like the diagnosis really hasn’t affected Saunders according to the Wolves’ PR Twitter account:
On a personal level, wish nothing but the best for Flip & his family. We've seen him around the office and he's still the same energetic guy
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) August 11, 2015
We don't expect that to change in this process. Looking forward to continuing our great relationship with him.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) August 11, 2015
It’s a tough battle, but Saunders seems ready to fight it. Good luck, Coach, and kick cancer’s ass.
Next: VIDEO: Karl-Anthony Towns Singing!