Hendriks to begin treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

CHICAGO -- White Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced that he is beginning treatment on Monday for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Hendriks issued a statement via his personal Instagram account on Sunday:

“As a professional athlete, I have always been mindful to try and use my position in the public eye to the most positive ends possible by shining a light on causes or issues that touch close to home for myself, my wife, and my family. It is in that spirit that I want to share some personal health news I have learned in the past few days and do so on my own terms.

“Recently I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hearing the word 'Cancer' came as a shock to my wife and I, as it does to millions of families each year. However, I am resolved to embrace the fight and overcome this new challenge with the same determination I have used when facing other obstacles in my life.

“My treatment begins tomorrow, and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back on the mound as soon as possible. I know with the support of my wife, my family, my teammates, and the Chicago White Sox organization, along with the treatment and care from my doctors, I will get through this.”

Hendriks, who turns 34 on Feb. 10, joined the White Sox via free agency prior to the 2021 season and has been a force in the organization since his arrival, which has less to do with the right-hander being one of the best closers in the game and much more to do with how Liam and his wife, Kristi, began giving back to the people of Chicago and its surrounding areas as soon as they arrived.

In fact, that question of giving back became an integral part of the Hendriks’ interview process with potential teams as the family went through his free agency process.

“On all of the Zoom meetings we had with all of the teams we met with, we said it’s extremely important for us to be able to immerse ourselves in the community,” Kristi Hendriks told MLB.com during an interview in 2021. “We find the best way is by volunteering and giving back.

“We like to bring attention to things that are happening in the community via Liam’s platform. If we don’t use the platform he is given when he has it, I feel like we totally missed the mark. And for us, it was just very easy.”

Hendriks was selected as the White Sox nominee for the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award, an honor as rewarding as anything he had won previously. He’s an intense competitor but also a leading voice in the White Sox clubhouse with the ability to keep his teammates loose.

White Sox senior vice president and general manager Rick Hahn made the following statement after Hendriks' announcement:

“Our thoughts and reactions at this time are for Liam the person, not Liam the baseball player. I know the entire Chicago White Sox organization, our staff, his teammates, and certainly White Sox fans, will rally in support of Liam and Kristi during the coming months.

"Knowing everyone involved, especially Liam, we are optimistic he will pitch again for the White Sox as soon as viable. In the meantime, we all will do everything in our power to support our teammate and his family as they face this challenge, while also respecting their privacy.

“We do not expect to have any updates on Liam’s playing status prior to Opening Day at the very earliest."