Bob Valvano is back on the radio, with his first show back being on Wednesday (April 21)! This is incredible news after he shared just two days previous (April 19) on Twitter that he has “leukemia” along with “(an) aneurysm on (his) aorta…and…some kidney damage, maybe from all (the) Aleve (he) took for (his) back”.
Valvano, as the AP describes according to ESPN, is “a former college coach, does analysis on ESPN broadcasts of men’s college basketball including color analysis for the University of Louisville in addition to a daily radio show”.
Bob is “the brother of late North Carolina State men’s basketball coach and broadcaster Jim Valvano” per AP via ESPN.
It's actually my profile pic here but I don't know if i can top it. Bros Jim left and Nick right and THAT BUNNY! I seriously loved that bunny. Pretty sure I had to be talked out of taking it to college… pic.twitter.com/51GkhTJNUQ
The picture on the left is one of my most prized possessions. Nick in my arms, Jamie busy grabbing onto my hand. The second pic is at Jamie's recent wedding. Where. Do. The. Years. Go. ? pic.twitter.com/fxj5KMBlmz
Of course, you may recognize that name because according of college basketball’s Jimmy V Classic. Per the tourney’s site: “The two early-season events showcase top college basketball programs on ESPN and will highlight Jimmy V Week, a week-long initiative across multiple ESPN platforms and programs featuring special content to help raise funds for cancer research.”
According to the AP via ESPN: “Jim Valvano, who died in April 1993 from adenocarcinoma, a glandular cancer, led heavy underdog NC State to the 1983 NCAA championship upset of Houston before going on to a broadcasting career. He is fondly remembered for his heartfelt speech at the ESPY Awards two months before his death in which he told the audience and viewers, ‘Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.’ The (ESPY’s) created the Jimmy V Award in his honor, and the Jimmy V Classic basketball event is held early in the season to support cancer victims and survivors.”
Here’s Bob taking you through what’s been a crazy past few weeks for him, leading up to that most recent show.
April 6
If you listened to show today you know l will be taking short (I hope) leave of absence to deal with some medical issues. Try to miss me a little bit anyway…🤷♂️
If during the course of a med. procedure they say you may feel a little "pressure", you can be fairly sure you'll be screaming in tongues for about 10 seconds. "Pressure" to doctors = light "chop" to pilots. You know what they mean, and they know you know, but it is what it is.
Friends:Well…a lot of news. Biggest of which is I have leukemia. I have aneurysm on my aorta too, and apparently some kidney damage, maybe from all Aleve I took for my back. So lot of activity. I don't know when or if I need treatment for leukemia. But prognosis good says Doc!
Leukemia not cool but this is. My cancer doctor (Dr. Khuda Khan) was taught by my brother Jim's cancer doctor (Dr.Joe Moore) at Duke medical school! I know I'm in good hands!!!
I am going to go back to work tomw and FRI. Then next week (w deep thanks to bosses at Union Broadcasting) I'll do 3 shows a week for next month (MWF).Then we will reassess. I still have a number of tests to do and answers to get, but meantime let's talk on the radio, shall we?
Bob’s been getting massive support and prayers from so many people:
Hi Bob. We’ve never met but I listen to your show and enjoy it very much. I’m sorry for your health issues and wish you the best outcomes. I’ve been eating a plant based diet for years and it’s the best health decision of my life. I think it could really help you in your journey
Have been a big fan for many years now. Always stayed up late to listen to you ESPNRadio. I hope you find nothing but positive vibes and the strength to fight! We got your back and you got this!!
I only get to listen to your Show from 2:30-3:00 but I always enjoy. My Mom has battled Luekemia for 3 yrs and is in remission for the second time. Praying for you Bob and I look forward to hearing your Show tomorrow.
Saddened to learn from Bob about his diagnosis . He’ll fight & have faith.The word is that the leukemia he has can be beaten .Our prayers r with Bob as he faces this challenge .May God Bless him with a great recovery . Pls pray for Bob. @espnVshow https://t.co/6SNf6UC6fP
All the best to trusted friend and colleague Bob Valvano. Bob is a V Foundation Board member, and this is exactly why the V Foundation exists and works so hard…let’s all redouble our efforts to beat cancer. We’re with you Bobby V!! @TheVFoundationhttps://t.co/QnB0KMnfCz
Glad to hear that Bob Valvano will have a seat behind the mic and start talking again — on the radio machine — tomorrow. Then three days a week thereafter. For now, I'll join @jeffgreer on the V show today around 1:30 or so. https://t.co/vQpF1MUqsT
I hope all Kentucky fans will join me in praying for @espnVshow as he fights his cancer diagnosis
Bob is a huge part of UL Basketball, a basketball savant and most importantly, a wonderful man. I wish him a full recovery and a long career covering the Cards https://t.co/jFLUz1zHBM
In March, Bob showed his home set-up to call games from:
From here I've called games this year from Dean Dome, Cameron Indoor, Allen Field House, JPJ Arena, Shottenstein Ctr, Gallagher-Iba, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and tonight McCamish Pavilion! Didn't get one frequent flier mile, but there's never any traffic going home. #blessedlifepic.twitter.com/NouM46qELs
Prayers up to Valvano and his health as he goes through this adversity and all the tests. May God be with Bob during these tests and trials he’s facing.
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