BREAKING: Former NBA player Jason Collins has confirmed he is battling Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. In an emotional announcement, Collins shared his diagnosis and treatment journey, emphasizing his determination to fight this deadly disease.
Collins, who made history as the first active openly gay player in the NBA, disclosed the news via social media, stating, “It’s time for people to hear directly from me.” This urgent message comes after months of treatment that began following a family statement revealing his brain tumor diagnosis earlier this year.
In May, Collins married his partner, Brunson Green, in Austin, Texas, but by August, his health dramatically declined. “I was supposed to go to the US Open, but I couldn’t even focus on packing,” he recalled, detailing how he missed a flight due to his deteriorating condition.
After undergoing a CT scan at UCLA, doctors revealed the severity of his situation. “The tech pulled me out in five minutes, indicating something was very wrong,” Collins explained. His glioblastoma was determined to have a 30% growth factor, with doctors warning that without immediate intervention, he could face a prognosis of just six weeks to three months.
“This tumor is extraordinary for all the wrong reasons,” Collins added, describing its aggressive nature and its encroachment upon his frontal lobe. The tumor’s complex makeup complicates treatment options, as standard chemotherapy has proven ineffective.
Despite the grim diagnosis, Collins is determined not to succumb to despair. “I’m going to fight it,” he declared, echoing his grandmother’s fierce battle against cancer. “When a doctor gives a prognosis, I think to myself, ‘Yeah, I know there’s more fight in me.’”
Collins is currently receiving treatment in Singapore, utilizing a targeted chemotherapy approach that aims to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This innovative therapy involves a delivery mechanism designed to attack glioblastoma cells directly. As he undergoes treatment, Collins has expressed hope that his journey may pave the way for future patients with similar diagnoses.
“My life has always been about facing challenges head-on,” he said. “I’ve faced giants on the court, and this is my biggest fight yet.”
Friends and family have rallied around Collins during this difficult time, offering support and encouragement. He spoke about a poignant conversation with his twin brother, Jarron, who urged him to fight relentlessly.
Collins is maintaining a hopeful outlook, stating, “We aren’t going to sit back and let this cancer kill me without giving it a hell of a fight.” With radiation and immunotherapy on the horizon, he is committed to pushing the boundaries of treatment.
As news of Collins’ diagnosis spreads, fans and supporters are rallying behind him, highlighting the emotional impact of his journey. His candidness about living with cancer is resonating with many, reminding them of the importance of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
In a world where cancer can often feel isolating, Collins is determined to share his story. “If I can help someone else, that matters,” he affirmed. As he continues to battle this formidable opponent, Collins is proving that strength and vulnerability can coexist, inspiring others to fight their own battles with courage and determination.
Stay tuned for further updates on Jason Collins’ journey as he navigates this critical moment in his life. His story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support in times of crisis.
