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Ex-MLB pitcher Curt Schilling diagnosed with cancer

Curt Schilling's wife, Shonda, was diagnosed with stage-2 melanoma in 2001. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Former major league pitcher Curt Schilling has been diagnosed with cancer. Schilling, an MLB analyst for ESPN, released a statement via ESPN's website on Wednesday. The type of cancer Schilling is dealing with and whether he will continue his media work during the upcoming season have not yet been disclosed.

"I've always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges. We've been presented with another challenge, as I've recently been diagnosed with cancer. Shonda and I want to send a sincere thank you and our appreciation to those who have called and sent prayers, and we ask that if you are so inclined, to keep the Schilling family in your prayers.

"My father left me with a saying that I've carried my entire life and tried to pass on to our kids: ‘Tough times don't last, tough people do.' Over the years in Boston, the kids at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown us what that means. With my incredibly talented medical team I'm ready to try and win another big game. I've been so very blessed and I feel grateful for what God has allowed my family to have and experience, and I'll embrace this fight just like the rest of them, with resolute faith and head on."

- Thank you,

The Schillings

Schilling's wife, Shonda, was diagnosed with stage-2 melanoma in 2001. Schilling also told The Boston Globe last year that he suffered a heart attack and required surgery to place a stent in an artery.

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