Iconic footy commentator reveals tragic diagnosis
Broadcasting legend Sandy Roberts has shared the details of his ongoing health battle, after being diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer.
The 73-year-old has returned to the MCG as he is fronting a new campaign to help save the lives of others, and himself, by trying to find a cure.
“I have so many great, fond memories of this mighty ground,” says the former Channel 7 AFL commentator in the campaign launch.
“This is my greatest call ... help me find a cure for myeloma.”
Roberts’ cancer was found last year after he had a fall and had to undergo a series of x-rays.
Despite always staying active during his retirement, he has broken his ribs in the fall, while the scans also showed the much more sinister diagnosis.
“If I hadn’t fallen down the stairs, I wouldn’t have known I had multiple myeloma,” Roberts exclusively told 7NEWS.
“The doctor finished up saying, ‘Of course, you’ve also got cancer’. Well, you could have blown us down with a feather. I mean, we had absolutely no idea … I mean, what’s he talking about?”
Myeloma is a rare type of blood cancer, with experts saying that it is one of the few cancers in the 21st century that remains incurable.
”Almost 30 per cent (of sufferers) die within 18 months of being diagnosed,” Roberts said during the campaign.
For 40 years, Roberts was the face of Channel Seven sport, with his unique commentary being known for his cheeky and witty takes on sporting games.
Since being diagnosed, Roberts has undergone chemotherapy and radiation, which has left him desperately sick and having to remain in hospital for extended stays.
”I lost weight and I was weak and lethargic ... yeah, it wasn’t pleasant,” Roberts said.
Roberts’ wife, Carolyn, said the illness had taken an emotional toll on him and his entire family.
”Sometimes you want to fall into a hole, you definitely do,” she said.
“And there were times when I’d go into the bedroom and cry, and I’m sure Sandy did the same, but you’ve got to keep going.”
With new treatments helping him feel much stronger, he is thrilled to be the face of the long overdue awareness campaign.
The campaign is aimed to raise awareness for the overlooked type of cancer, while experts are also asking for donations to help fund their research into a cure.
”Experts within Myeloma Australia and around the world are saying that a cure is very close,” Roberts said.
“So fingers crossed it’s REALLY close.”
Image credits: Seven