After three months of treatment, Liam Hendriks is cancer free. On Wednesday, the White Sox closer posted a video on Instagram of him ringing the victory bell along with a heartfelt message.
“5 months ago my life changed forever. You never think you will be the one who hears “you have cancer” but there I was… in shock and fear not knowing what comes next.
I started treatment after SO many life altering appointments on January 9th, 2023.
Every 28 days, I would have another round.
Every 28 days, I got closer to this moment.
These past 5 months have been both the quickest and the slowest of my life. Being able to ring this victory bell has been one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done. I cannot thank my team of doctors and nurses enough for coming up with the best medical plan for me. No words can express the gratitude I have for them saving my life.
To my wife: You came to every single appointment. You held my hand every step of the way. You were my voice of confidence and always made sure I felt loved and safe throughout it all. I love you.
To my family, friends and fans: Your support kept me going. You kept me in the right frame of mind to beat this. You encouragement made a bigger difference than you will ever know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
This comes Hendriks appeared on the scoreboard at Guaranteed Rate Field with a message for fans on Opening Day saying that he would see them on the South Side soon. It was one of the few positive moments from an otherwise forgettable 12-3 loss to the Giants.
The 34-year-old announced he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma early in January. However, Hendriks has been throwing bullpens and working out this off-season. He expects to be back by May, and the team keeping off the 60-day IL confirmed this might be possible.
He would be a welcomed addition to a White Sox bullpen that has struggled early this season. In the first five games this season, the White Sox bullpen has a 5.86 ERA, the fifth-worst mark in the MLB. Part of this is thanks in part to Hendriks and Garrett Crochet being on the IL.
“Until we have Garrett and Liam on rehab assignments, it’s tough to really give them a timeline on their returns,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn told reporters. “Both are progressing, and both are not on the 60-day IL for a reason. So, we are not quite there to give you a timeframe, but we are headed the right way and currently have a very real chance of having them both back prior to 60 days into the year.”
At the very least, Hendriks’s presence in the locker room will boost morale, and the day he returns to the mound will be memorable, especially after everything he has done for the organization and the community.
The White Sox closer has logged 75 saves during his first two seasons on the South Side. But his impact off the field has surpassed his accomplishments on it. Since arriving in Chicago, he and his wife, Kristi, have been giving back to the city.
This has included treating firefighters from all three platoons at Engine 29 near Guaranteed Rate Field to lunch, ordering a catered lunch for the staff and volunteers of St. James Food Pantry, and donating 50 meals to the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, all within the first few months of joining the team. Hendriks also arranged treats, gifts, and a special video message for the nearly 300 patients, family members, and hospital staff at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Jackson Park.
Wow thats great for Liam !!!! no better feeling in the world than to rid yourself of that awful disease. You have joined a special group Liam. Stay Strong bro !
hy