Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders has been diagnosed with cancer, the team announced on Tuesday.
In a statement posted on its Twitter account and on NBA.com, the Wolves say Saunders is undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Mayo Clinic for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is described as a “very treatable and curable form of cancer.”
“I am taking it step by step and day by day to understand how to best manage this process,” Saunders said in the statement.
Saunders will continue uninterrupted with his duties as Timberwolves’ President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) August 11, 2015
Saunders has still been able to attend all of his team duties since starting treatment following his diagnosis eight weeks ago, which came after an examination by the team’s doctor Sheldon Burns, and will continue to do so as his treatment progresses.
“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,” Saunders said.
“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,” he added.
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
According to the Mayo Clinic, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of two forms of cancer that affect the body’s lymphatic system. The other, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is far more common.
The American Cancer Society reports it is mostly commonly diagnosed in those aged between 15 and 40 and those aged over 55.
It notes that survival rates have improved as a result of advances in treatment, with the 5-year and 10-year survival rates currently at around 85 and 80 percent respectively.
Kansas City Chiefs star safety Eric Berry just returned to the field after missing a year of his career with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Support for Saunders
https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/631154222529126401
#GetWellFlip https://t.co/T9qZ6OX7fN
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) August 11, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with Flip Saunders and his family. Wishing him the best of luck!
— Lynx PR (@Lynx_PR) August 11, 2015
Get well soon, Flip Saunders. pic.twitter.com/IQNDNYCRyH
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) August 11, 2015
Get well soon, Flip. https://t.co/kKUnkZZSf4
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 11, 2015
Our thoughts are with Flip Saunders and the @MNTimberwolves family. Get well soon Flip! https://t.co/hXLXZYzuJQ
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) August 11, 2015
Get well soon, Flip! https://t.co/PVEyvwTXpJ
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 11, 2015
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/631160942236172289
We send our support to Flip Saunders and his family. https://t.co/nfe1E8hFBx
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 11, 2015
