Tim Wakefield battling ‘aggressive form’ of brain cancer, but ex-teammate Curt Schilling slammed for sharing diagnosis publicly
Tim Wakefield battling 'aggressive form' of brain cancer, but ex-teammate Curt Schilling slammed for sharing diagnosis publicly
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield is battling a “very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer,” according to his ex-teammate Curt Schilling. However, Schilling has been slammed for publicly sharing Wakefield’s diagnosis without his consent.
Schilling made the announcement on his podcast, “The Curt Schilling Podcast,” on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
“I’m going to tell you a story about a friend of mine,” Schilling said. “His name is Tim Wakefield. He pitched for the Red Sox for 17 years. He’s a great guy, a great teammate, and a great friend. And he’s been diagnosed with a very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer.”
Schilling went on to say that Wakefield and his wife, Stacy, have both been diagnosed with cancer. Stacy Wakefield is battling breast cancer.
“It’s been a tough year for Tim and Stacy,” Schilling said. “But they’re fighting hard, and they’re surrounded by people who love them.”
However, Schilling’s decision to publicly share Wakefield’s diagnosis without his consent has been met with criticism.
“It wasn’t your news to share,” one Twitter user wrote. “Tim Wakefield is a private person, and he deserves to decide how and when he shares his own health news.”
“Curt Schilling should have respected Tim Wakefield’s privacy,” another Twitter user wrote. “It’s not up to him to share Wakefield’s cancer diagnosis with the world.”
Wakefield has not yet publicly commented on his diagnosis. However, he and his wife have released a statement through the Red Sox organization.
“We are grateful for the support of our family, friends, and fans during this difficult time,” the statement said. “We ask for privacy as we focus on Tim’s treatment.”
Wakefield is a beloved figure in Boston. He played for the Red Sox from 1995 to 2011, and he helped the team win the World Series in 2004. He is known for his signature knuckleball pitch, which baffled hitters for years.
Wakefield’s diagnosis is a reminder that brain cancer can strike anyone, regardless of age or health status. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults under the age of 20. It is also the fifth leading cause of cancer death in adults of all ages.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with brain cancer, there are a number of resources available to help you. The National Brain Tumor Society offers a variety of support services and information for patients and their families. You can also learn more about brain cancer and its treatment options at the American Cancer Society website.
