Craig Sager's two-year-long battle with leukemia has hit another heartbreaking setback, with the beloved sideline reporter suffering a relapse for the second time. Sager announced the news in an episode of HBO's "Real Sports" that aired Tuesday, saying someone with his condition typically has three-to-six months to live, according to his doctors.
Sager released a statement Wednesday to clarify that dire prognosis, explaining that it only applies to someone who isn't being treated.
"I'm grateful to HBO for telling my story and I'd like to thank everyone for their ongoing support," he said. "I have acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive type of cancer. The typical prognosis is three-to-six months to live, but I would like to stress that is for a patient who is not receiving treatment. Fortunately, I am receiving the best treatment in the world and I remain fully confident I will win this battle."
Over the course of the grueling treatment process, Sager has already undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, multiple blood transfusions, two bone marrow transplants, and two stem cell treatments. His recovery was complicated at one point by a bout of pneumonia. He lost 50 pounds.
But for all he's been through, and all he'll surely have to go through if he's to overcome his latest setback, Sager continues to think optimistically, even declaring his intention of continuing his job.
"Again, I would like to thank everyone for your generosity and encouragement," he said. "I sincerely appreciate it and it means so much to me and my family. I look forward to continuing my work on the sidelines for Turner Sports."
