Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks rang the «victory bell» Wednesday after completing his final round of chemotherapy, five months after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Hendriks gave White Sox fans a positive update on his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma before the team’s home opener, saying his final round of chemotherapy was on the way.
«So I’ll see you guys on the South Side soon. Play catch,» Hendriks said.
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Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on August 20, 2022 in Cleveland. (George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Hendriks posted a video of the moment he rang the doorbell, joking that it was «louder than I expected.»
He also wanted to recap how these last five months have changed him.
«You never think you’ll be the one to hear ‘you have cancer’ but there I was…in shock and fear not knowing what comes next,» she wrote on Instagram. «I started treatment after MANY life-changing appointments on January 9, 2023. Every 28 days, I had another round. Every 28 days, I would get closer to the PET scan that would dictate how many more rounds there would be. Every 28 days, I would I approached this moment.
WHITE SOX’S LIAM HENDRIKS SHARES POSITIVE UPDATE ON BATTLE AGAINST CANCER
«These past 5 months have been the fastest and slowest of my life. Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done. I can’t thank my team of doctors and nurses enough for coming up with the best medical plan for me. There are no words to express the gratitude I have for saving my life.»
Hendriks also took the time to thank those closest to him.
«To my wife: you came to every appointment. You held my hand every step of the way,» Hendriks said. «You were my trusted voice and always made sure she felt loved and safe throughout the entire process. I love you.
«To family, friends and fans – your support has kept me going. You have kept me in the right frame of mind to get through this. Your encouragement has made a bigger difference than you will ever know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.» .
Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox looks on against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning of a game at Target Field on September 27, 2022 in Minneapolis. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Hendriks announced his cancer diagnosis in January, saying doctors believed it was treatable. Fortunately, that was the case for Hendriks, who can now focus on baseball.
Hendriks is coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons. He had 37 saves in 2022 and a league-high 38 in 2021, both All-Star seasons. He struck out 85 in 57.2 innings with a 2.81 ERA last season.
WHITE SOX CLOSER LIAM HENDRIKS ANNOUNCES HE HAS CANCER
Hendriks will enter his 13th MLB season, his third with the White Sox. Since his transition to relief, the Perth, Australia native has had a great career putting out hitters and being consistent, especially since his first All-Star campaign in 2019 with the Oakland Athletics.
Hendriks has also had stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Kansas City Royals.
Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox acknowledges the crowd during player introductions before the 92nd MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles. (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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There is no timetable for when Hendriks will return to the White Sox this season.