In December 2022, Liam Hendriks—a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox—was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL); he shared this news with the world in January 2023, which Patient Worthy reported on. Hendriks underwent treatment and has been off the field since. Treatment went incredibly well—and, as reported by Ben Morse of CNN, Hendriks returned to the field on May 29, 2023 to thunderous applause.
Over the last few months, between and following treatment, Hendriks had been undergoing his rehab assignment with the Charlotte Knights. He was finally cleared in time for the Memorial Day game between the White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels.
The announcement that Hendriks would be pitching came at the top of the 8th inning. Soon, Hendriks was running back onto the field—and fans were thrilled. But it was more than just the fans who were excited; Hendriks felt incredibly loved and supported, and manager Pedro Grifol shared that Hendriks’ return was bigger than the game itself. It was a comeback, a show of strength, and a reminder of how unified this community is.
Although the White Sox didn’t pull out the win, they cannot wait to tackle the rest of the season with Hendriks.
What is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)?
Normally, our immune system plays a role in how healthy we are; it fights against foreign invaders and infections to keep us safe. Our lymphatic system is part of the immune system. So when cancer forms in the lymphatic system, it means that we become more susceptible to disease and damage. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) forms in the lymphatic system in white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are multiple NHL subtypes. If you have a weakened immune system, are male, have been exposed to certain chemicals, or are older in age, you have a higher risk of developing NHL. Though symptoms vary based on specific subtype, potential symptoms can include abdominal pain and swelling, fever and drenching night sweats, fatigue, chest pain, itchy skin, swollen lymph nodes, unintentional weight loss, and easy bruising and bleeding.
Chemotherapy, biologic therapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants may all be used as part of the treatment regimen for NHL. Additional therapies are being explored in clinical studies.
