UPDATE: Jason Collins, the first openly gay active player in NBA history, has publicly revealed he is battling Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. In a heartfelt statement, Collins shared that his diagnosis marks a critical moment in his life, and he is determined to fight this disease with everything he has.
Just months after marrying his partner, Brunson Green, in May 2023, Collins noticed alarming symptoms. “In August, we were supposed to go to the US Open, but I couldn’t focus enough to pack,” he recalled. The 44-year-old athlete described how a routine CT scan at UCLA led to a shocking diagnosis after just five minutes, revealing a tumor that has since been confirmed as glioblastoma.
“I have glioblastoma, and it came on incredibly fast,” Collins stated. The tumor is located near his frontal lobe and has a growth factor of 30%. He explained that without intervention, he could face a grim prognosis of only six weeks to three months to live. “My glio is extraordinary for all the wrong reasons,” he said, likening it to the mythical Hydra, known for its ability to regrow heads.
Collins’ journey has been filled with emotional highs and lows. He expressed gratitude for his supportive family and friends who rallied around him during this difficult time. “When I was in the hospital, no one knew if I’d ever come out of the fog I was in,” he shared. However, with the help of treatments including Avastin and radiation, he began to regain his strength and clarity.
“My husband and family were researching a treatment plan while I was in the hospital,” Collins said. They found a clinic in Singapore that offers targeted chemotherapy, which is crucial given that standard treatments do not work on his tumor type. This innovative approach aims to deliver treatment directly to the tumor, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
Collins emphasized the importance of fighting this disease not just for himself, but for future patients. “If what I’m doing doesn’t save me, I feel good thinking it might help someone else one day,” he stated. His determination is reminiscent of his past experiences as an athlete, where overcoming challenges is part of the game.
As he continues his battle, Collins remains optimistic. “I know how to fight,” he declared. Inspired by his grandmother’s resilience against cancer, he is refusing to succumb to despair. “When a doctor says this is your timeframe, I know there’s more fight in me.”
His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and thrive in the face of adversity. Collins is committed to sharing his journey, hoping that his openness about his diagnosis will inspire others facing similar challenges.
As of now, Collins is focused on treatment and recovery, with the support of his loved ones. “We’re not going to sit back and let this cancer kill me without giving it a hell of a fight,” he asserted. Fans, friends, and fellow athletes are rallying behind him, showing immense support as he navigates this difficult journey.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jason Collins’ progress as he takes on this life-altering challenge with courage and determination.
