Tim Wakefield Dies from Cancer, Jill Biden Encourages Breast Cancer Screenings And More

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As Len Goodman’s cause of death was announced and LSU defenseman Greg Brooks announces rare form of brain cancer, here is what’s happening in the oncology space this week.

Tim Wakefield, an ex-pitcher for the Red Sox, died from cancer.

Tim Wakefield, the Red Sox knuckleball pitcher, died at age 57 this past Sunday from brain cancer, the Red Sox announced.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tim Wakefield, one of the most unique pitchers of his generation and a key part of the most successful era in the history of the Boston Red Sox," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, according to MLB. "Tim’s knuckleball allowed him to excel as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992. In 1995, he began a 17-year tenure in Boston, where he made a mark that will be remembered forever. Tim was more than just a versatile and reliable All-Star pitcher, a highly respected teammate, and a two-time World Series Champion. In 2010, Tim was named the Roberto Clemente Award winner for the dedicated work he and his family did serving the communities of New England.”

Manfred explained how the team will continue to support Stand Up To Cancer, a cancer research charity, to remember Tim.

It was announced that Tim had been diagnosed with brain cancer publicly only three days before his death. Wakefield underwent surgery a few weeks before his death as well.

“It’s one thing to be an outstanding athlete; it’s another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both,” said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, according to MLB. “He was a role model on and off the field, giving endlessly to the Red Sox Foundation and being a force for good for everyone he encountered. I felt fortunate to call him a close friend and along with all of us in Red Sox Nation, I know the world was made better because he was in it.”

Wakefield retired from the Red Sox in 2012.

“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” said Red Sox principal owner John Henry, according to MLB. “He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit. He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.”

Jill Biden urged the public to get screen for breast cancer.

Jill Biden, the first lady, encouraged Americans everywhere to get screened for breast cancer among Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a recent public service announcement.

"Right now I bet you're busy taking care of everyone else in your life. The mental load of keeping up with work and family is exhausting, when was the last time you took care of yourself?" Biden noted on the PSA aired on "CBS Mornings" this past Wednesday. "October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I'm asking you to put your health first."

The PSA will air this week on Lifetime to advocate for the breast cancer awareness campaign that happens annually. Biden is an immensely active advocate for breast cancer, as four of her friends have received breast cancer diagnoses.

"Take a moment to talk to your doctor about whether it's time for your mammogram or other cancer screenings," Biden stated in a recent video, according to CBS. "There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but we know that early detection of cancer saves lives."

Breast cancer screenings should occur 10 years earlier than the typical recommendation. Alongside this, women should receive a screening every other year starting at age 40.

Greg Brooks, LSU football player, revealed brain cancer diagnosis.

Greg Brooks, a defensive back for Louisiana State University, announced that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called medulloblastoma. Brooks’ family announced the news.

“Greg has been a daily inspiration to us all,” the Brooks family said in a statement. “He fights like a Tiger each day and continues to make incremental improvements. We have a long road ahead and are appreciative of the support from our LSU family and Tiger fans. Greg has fans around the world and our phones have been ringing off the hook for the last several weeks with words of encouragement and support. Greg is a warrior! Please continue to keep No. 3, and our entire family, in your prayers.”

Brooks had a brain tumor removed last month after having vertigo, which, in an MRI, revealed his diagnosis.

“For the last three weeks, Greg has been recovering from an extensive surgery to remove a brain tumor that was located between his cerebellum and brainstem,” Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Health, stated in a news release. “Greg’s speech and ability to communicate has been impacted, and although he is responsive and working daily with physical therapy, he will face months of intensive rehabilitation. The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread.

Brooks played his first three seasons in Alabama before returning to Louisiana, his home grounds, for the last two years.

LSU president William F. Tate IV encouraged fans to donate to the Greg Brooks Victory Fund

“Greg is a fighter and a winner, and we believe wholeheartedly that he will conquer this battle with cancer,” Tate said. “Victories are rarely achieved alone, which is why we’re calling on fans from around the world to rally behind The Greg Brooks Victory Fund. Your support will ensure that Greg and his family have everything they need as they embark on their journey to healing and recovery.”

Len Goodman, judge on ‘Dancing With the Stars’, died from prostate cancer

The cause of death of judge Len Goodman from ‘Dancing With the Stars’ was revealed after his death months ago. Goodman, who was age 78, died from prostate cancer that had spread in his body to his bones, according to The Daily Express.

Goodman was treated in 2009 for prostate cancer. In 2020, he also underwent surgery for melanoma on his forehead.

Working on both ‘Dancing with The Stars’ and the U.S. version of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Goodman retired from the show to be with family more often after season 31.

Goodman was a professional dancer before becoming a judge on television. He also appeared on ‘Len Goodman’s Dance Band Days’ and ‘Len Goodman’s Perfect Christmas’ on BBC. He had hosted ‘One’s Holiday of My Lifetime’ on BBC and appeared on ‘Hollyoaks’.

Goodman had shared his appreciation for everyone on ‘Dancing with The Stars.’

“It’s been a huge pleasure to be a huge part of such a wonderful show,” Goodman said back in November 2022 during the DWTS semi-finals. “I cannot thank you enough, the DWTS family. It has been such a wonderful experience for me. I’m looking forward to next week’s finale. I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely brilliant.”

The Lowe brothers, baseball players on the Rangers and Rays, revealed mother’s cancer diagnosis.

Brothers Josh Lowe, a player for the Tampa Bay Rays, and Nathaniel Lowe, player for the Texas Rangers, played against each other this past Monday without their mother, Wendy Lowe in the stands, due to her brain cancer diagnosis.

“She’s going through chemo right now, and she won’t be able to make it,” Josh said before Monday’s workout at Tropicana Field, according to Tampa Bay Times. “But I asked her if it’s OK if I said something, and she said yes, because the more people that know, the more prayers that can be said for her.”

Lowe was seen in June supporting both of her sons during a Rays-Rangers game in the league. Lowe wore a shirt that had both teams on it in support of both of her sons.

Lowe had a seizure about a month after that game, which resulted in receiving her diagnosis with cancer. Josh had been put on medical leave as Wendy was going through surgery.

The Lowe brothers finished out the second half of their seasons, keeping their mother in mind the whole time.

“I think and pray about her every day,” Nathaniel told the Morning News. “I don’t know what the next weeks and months and years look like. She’s given everything to me. And I think that requires a standard of performance out of me. And when I can’t do that, the very least I can do is be positive and grateful for where I am at.”

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