Sitting-side-by-side with Prostate Cancer: A Worthy Battle
Sports anchor Jay Harris reveals diagnosis of prostate cancer
Jay Harris, one of the familiar faces on ESPN's "SportsCenter," announced he's in for a heck of a fight— against prostate cancer. This hard-hitting news dropped on Thursday, unveiled in an emotional essay penned for ESPN's Front Row, a heart-to-heart with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America," and a bold declaration that prostate cancer ain't gonna whisper him down without a fight.
"Listening to the docs wasn't music to my ears, but it was what I needed to hear," Harris shares in his thoughtful essay, his 60-year-old eyes reflecting a grim reality that hits us all square in the gut eventually.
Harris is gearing up for a hiatus from the "SportsCenter" anchor desk, entering the ring with surgery scheduled for June 10. But like the proverbial phoenix, he's all ready to fly her way out post-recovery, stronger and more robust than ever.
"I've had better days," he humorously shared with Strahan, "But the good news is, there's a whole lot more where those came from."
The doctors KO'd him with a punch of optimism, Harris shared, and his latest scan ensured that he hit the mat running with the knowledge that his cancer wasn't slithering out to greener pastures.
"Relief? Absolutely," Harris admits, "But we ain't done by a long shot. They'll find out more when they go inside. I can only hope that it won't find anything extra, so I can be back in a month or so."
Inspirational champions Hannah Storm and Brian Custer, Harris's fellow "SportsCenter" anchors, stand in his corner, having braved their own battles against the rogue Big C.
Storm, who twirls her way victoriously over breast cancer, and Custer, who secured a W against prostate cancer, have rallied behind their comrade, their experience as the ultimate championship belts in this fight.
"Talkin' shop's usually just about the golf game," Harris nods to the good ol' days on the golf course with pals, "But this time, it was all about our health things and our appointments."
Harris, a 20-year veteran at ESPN, echoed the significance of raising awareness and stirring conversations about prostate cancer, especially among men.
"Sharing my struggle's my way of joining forces with others who are trying to normalize this chat and hopefully offer some guidance," he maintained, "It's about facing our label, our rivals, and vanquishing them once and for all."
History repeats itself as Harris steps in the ring, alongside his father, who miraculously handled prostate cancer like a boss. Harris already has engaged his 26-year-old son in this conversation, ensuring the unbreakable lineage never quits.
"I might be oversharing at times," he winks at his son, "But he needs to know."
Game on, daddy-o. game on.
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Science plays a crucial role in Jay Harris's health-and-wellness journey as he battles prostate cancer, with sports providing him motivation and strength throughout his treatment. During his recovery, Harris plans to delve into the latest research on mens-health and prostate cancer to arm himself with knowledge and strategies for a successful fight.
