UPDATE: Former NBA player Jason Collins has revealed he is battling Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. In an emotional statement, Collins shared his diagnosis and ongoing fight against this deadly disease, stressing the urgency of his situation.
In a heartfelt message, Collins, who made history as the first active openly gay player in the NBA, disclosed that his condition deteriorated rapidly after his wedding to Brunson Green in May. “In August, I was supposed to go to the US Open, but I couldn’t even pack,” Collins stated. He described a frightening decline in his mental clarity and comprehension within weeks, which prompted immediate medical intervention.
Collins underwent a CT scan at UCLA, where the results indicated a serious issue, leading to further tests that confirmed his diagnosis. “My glioblastoma is ‘multiforme’—like a monster with tentacles spreading across my brain,” he explained. The biopsy revealed a growth factor of 30%, indicating a dire prognosis of potentially only 6 weeks to 3 months to live without aggressive treatment.
The urgency of Collins’ situation is underscored by the nature of glioblastoma, which is notorious for its rapid growth and difficulty in treatment. “I know there’s more fight in me,” he declared, drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s battle with cancer, who outlived her prognosis. “I’m going to fight it just like she did,” he emphasized.
Collins is currently receiving treatment that includes Avastin and radiation, which he began shortly after being discharged from the hospital. Remarkably, he has shown signs of improvement, regaining the ability to walk and communicate. “Within days, I started coming out of my fog,” he said.
The former athlete is now exploring advanced treatment options, including targeted chemotherapy at a clinic in Singapore. This innovative therapy utilizes a delivery mechanism designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target glioblastoma cells specifically, offering a glimmer of hope in a grim situation. Collins noted that the standard chemotherapy for glioblastoma, temozolomide (TMZ), is ineffective for his specific tumor mutation.
Collins’ journey has become a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of adversity. He expressed gratitude for the support of his family and friends, who have rallied around him during this challenging time, researching treatment options and strategies to combat the cancer. “We aren’t going to sit back and let this cancer kill me,” Collins asserted. “We’re going to hit it first.”
As he continues to fight this battle, Collins hopes that sharing his story will help others facing similar challenges. “If I can do that again now, then that matters,” he stated, highlighting the importance of living authentically and openly.
The former NBA star’s determination and courage resonate deeply, capturing the hearts of fans and supporters around the world. His story serves as an urgent call to action for awareness about glioblastoma and the ongoing quest for effective treatments.
Fans and advocates are encouraged to follow Collins’ journey as he shares updates on his condition and treatment progress. The fight against cancer is far from over, and Collins’ resolve remains strong as he battles this formidable opponent.
