Dear Fans,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this message to all of you who have supported me throughout my career and beyond. I have always cherished the connection we’ve shared, and it’s because of this bond that I feel compelled to be completely honest and transparent with you today.
Over the past few months, I have been grappling with a deeply personal issue that I can no longer keep to myself. After a series of medical evaluations, I have been diagnosed with a serious and unexpected health condition. This news has been incredibly difficult for me to process, and I know it will be just as challenging for many of you to hear. I never imagined that I would be facing something like this, especially after enjoying so many years of good health and physical activity.
I want to assure you all that I am approaching this fight with the same determination and resilience that I have always applied on the basketball court. I am committed to following the best medical advice and undergoing the necessary treatments to tackle this condition head-on. While this is a new and daunting challenge, I have faith in the incredible advancements in medicine and the unwavering support of my family, friends, and fans.
This diagnosis has also led me to reflect deeply on my life and career. Basketball has given me so much, but it is the relationships and memories that I cherish the most. I have been incredibly fortunate to experience the love and support of fans like you, who have stood by me through every high and low. Your unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of strength, and it will continue to be as I navigate this new chapter.
I am not stepping away from the public eye completely, but I will be taking a step back to focus on my health and well-being. I need to prioritize my treatment and recovery, which means I may not be as visible or active in the community as I have been in the past. This is not goodbye, but rather a temporary pause as I work to regain my strength.
To my fellow athletes and everyone who looks up to me as a role model, I want to say this: life can throw unexpected challenges our way, but it is how we respond to these challenges that defines us. I intend to face this situation with the same grit and determination that have defined my career, and I encourage you all to do the same in your own lives.
I ask for your understanding, your support, and your prayers as I embark on this journey. I promise to keep you updated on my progress, and I am hopeful that with your support, I will overcome this challenge and return stronger than ever.
Thank you for everything. Your loyalty and love mean the world to me, and they will be my guiding light through this difficult time.
With deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation,
Larry Bird
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