A major Sarasota cancer fundraiser suddenly has a cloud of uncertainty, after 86-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale revealed that recent medical scans showed "some abnormalities" and that doctors have scheduled a biopsy for Friday. Vitale said he still feels "great physically and sharp mentally" and is "hoping for the best" as his medical team digs deeper. His update came in a statement shared by ESPN PR and posted to X.
A health update from @DickieV that he asked me to share pic.twitter.com/N7W6UzLfVX
— Josh Krulewitz (@jksports) April 8, 2026
What Vitale Said And What Is Next
Vitale's written statement, which ESPN PR asked Josh Krulewitz to share, explained that last week's battery of tests included a PET scan, a CAT scan and two MRIs. Those scans turned up areas his doctors did not like the look of, and they recommended "additional testing" to figure out what comes next.
As reported by Cleveland.com, Vitale wrote, "While I feel great physically and sharp mentally, I heard from my doctors that the latest tests...showed some abnormalities." Media outlets that republished the statement also noted that a biopsy is set for Friday, with further decisions expected after those results are in.
His Long Fight And The V Foundation
Vitale has been unusually open about his health since 2021, when he began dealing with a series of serious diagnoses that included melanoma, lymphoma and vocal cord cancer. After surgery and treatment, he said last year that he was cancer free. The AP reported his cancer free announcement in December 2024.
He has kept using his platform to push for more cancer research and remains tightly linked to The V Foundation. The foundation's site lists the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Sarasota, a signature fundraiser that now has fans quietly wondering how this latest health scare might intersect with his busy spring schedule.
Reaction And What To Watch
ESPN and Vitale's colleagues quickly posted public messages of support after the update went out, and fans followed with their own well wishes on social media. Field Level Media circulated a bulletin that was republished by outlets such as WHBL, and sports sites like The Big Lead amplified the statement and the ESPN PR post.
For now, the sports world and Sarasota community are watching for biopsy results and any ripple effects on Vitale's plans around the May gala. Vitale said he plans to "remain as active as ever" and "fight as hard as can be," and his team has indicated they will share more updates after the biopsy. We will update this story as new information is released.
