Ducks' Prospect to Take Time Away from Game After Cancer Relapse
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
August 21, 2023 (8:55 PM)
A draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks has announced he's taking some time away from hockey to focus on his health. Will Francis, taken 163rd overall in 2019, has revealed he's battling leukemia for the second time.
"I have some unfortunate news to share," said Francis in a statement released by the UMD Sports Department. "Earlier this month, during a routine post-recovery check-up, a blood test revealed a relapse, showing my cancer had returned." - Will Francis
Francis went on to say that it was surprising, as he had never felt better and there were no symptoms. He said he's disappointed in the news, but vows he'll be back at University and with his hockey team by January after getting treatment in Minnesota's Twin Cities.
Francis endured two years of treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which included taking anywhere from three to 25 pills a day, and going through intense radiation treatment. He was declared cancer free and had attended the Ducks' training camp the last two years.
POLL |
AOUT 21 | 23 ANSWERS Ducks' Prospect to Take Time Away from Game After Cancer Relapse Have you or a loved one had to deal with leukemia? |
Yes | 14 | 60.9 % |
No | 9 | 39.1 % |
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