Former Buffalo Bills Jim Kelly announced that he’s been diagnosed with cancer. The Hall of Fame quarterback is battling Squamous-cell carcinoma of the upper jaw bone, and is set to undergo surgery Friday.
In a statement Kelly released today before the start of the 27th Annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic he said:
“This past couple of weeks has been difficult for me and because of the nature of social media I thought it would be best to share with everyone what has been going on with my health. I was recently diagnosed with Squamous-cell carcinoma (cancer) of the upper jaw bone. I have undergone tests which have shown that the cancer is isolated to my upper jaw and has not spread to other parts of my body. Surgery is scheduled for June 7th and doctors have told me that the prognosis for my recovery is very good.
With the excellent medical care that I will be receiving and the loving care of my wife Jill and my daughters Erin and Camryn and the support of my entire family and friends, I am extremely confident in my road to recovery. I plan to tackle this challenge head on, as we Kelly’s always do, with toughness, perseverance and faith.
I want to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and would appreciate any prayers said for me and my family moving forward. May God continue to bless you and our family.”
Kelly was in great spirits yesterday and joked with players and guests at his charity’s annual gala and auction last night. He said this year’s event was projected to raise close to $5 million.
“Jim’s a fighter. We think he’ll be okay. We’re all in his corner,” former Bills receiver Andre Reed said.
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