SARASOTA -- Dick Vitale celebrated his one-year anniversary of finishing his first round of radiation treatments by completing his second.
On Friday, at the Sarasota Memorial Radiation Oncology Center, the 85-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident and ESPN college basketball analyst underwent his 30th and final radiation treatment for a cancerous lymph node in his neck. Almost a year to the day, Vitale completed his 35th dose of radiation for vocal cord cancer.
Afterward, Vitale tossed his second rock into the facility's rock garden, established to inspire cancer patients still receiving treatment. Vitale's first rock was inscribed with the word "Love."
His second? "Believe."
"It's been a tough three years," said Vitale, recounting his 2021 battle with melanoma, which resulted in four surgeries on his face and nose. Six months later, Vitale was diagnosed with lymphoma, necessitating six months of chemotherapy. His treatment for vocal cord cancer required 35 radiation treatments and seven months of voice rest.
Round 1: Dick Vitale Finishes Radiation Treatments
His 35 radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer weren't accompanied by any serious side effects. But these 30 caused burning on the side of Vitale's neck, brought on aches and pains, and compromised some of his taste.
"But it can't compare to what youngsters (with cancer) have to go through," he said, "and that's why I'm so dedicated to the young kids, and probably now more than ever." September being pediatric cancer month, Vitale urges people to donate to the V Foundation to aid in this fight against childhood cancer.
You can make a donation at DickVitale.com. Next year brings the 20th anniversary of the Dick Vitale Gala, and with a total of $92.9 million raised over the history of the event, Vitale has a goal for this one of $7.1 million, which would bring the total raised to $100 million.
"We will do it," Vitale said. But regarding the side effects Vitale experienced with these latest radiation treatments, radiation oncologist Dr. Matthew Viagioli said the area treated was much larger this time.
"Lymph nodes come closer to the skin surface," he said. "The skin is getting more dosage, so he had to deal more with skin issues than the last time. There are no guarantees when it comes to cancer, but I still think his outlook looks really good right now. This was really more insurance than anything else."
In two months, Vitale will have a PET scan to determine if the radiation was successful. But from his first series of radiation treatments to the second, Vitale's voice has gotten considerably stronger. He is hoping to return to the ESPN college basketball microphone to announce one game a week.