Aug 28, 2014; Green Bay; Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Strong safety Eric Berry has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer, the Chiefs announced Monday.
Berry recently underwent medical testing in Atlanta under the care of Dr. Christopher Flowers, director of Emory Lymphoma Program at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute.
“This is a diagnosis that is very treatable and potentially curable with standard chemotherapy approaches,” Flowers said in a statement released through the Chiefs. “The goal of Mr. Berry’s treatment is to cure his lymphoma and we are beginning that treatment now.”
The Chiefs placed Berry on the season-ending non-football injury list on Nov. 24 after the discovery of a mass in his chest. He initially experienced discomfort following Week 12’s game against the Oakland Raiders and brought it to the attention of the team’s medical staff.
Berry underwent testing with the Chiefs medical staff before flying to Atlanta to undergo further testing, leading to Monday’s announcement.
“My family and I are very grateful for the amount of support we have received over the last couple of weeks,” Berry said in a statement through the Chiefs. “I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate all the words of encouragement, the blessings and well wishes.
“I want to thank the Emory University School of Medicine, along with Dr. Flowers and his team, for all of their hard work and effort in diagnosing and creating a plan for me to battle this thing. I will embrace this process and attack it the same way I do everything else in life. God has more than prepared me for it. For everyone sharing similar struggles, I’m praying for you and keep fighting!”
Meanwhile, the Chiefs also announced the official “Be Bold Be Brave Be Berry” shirt, which was designed by Chiefs players in support of Berry, is now available for purchase through the Chiefs Pro Shop at Arrowhead Stadium or online.
The shirt, which costs $20, is available in limited quantity.
All proceeds received from the sale of the shirts will in turn be directed to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, according to the Chiefs.
