Leafs’ Jason Blake Is Diagnosed With Rare Form Of Leukemia
Posted October 8, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
- Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia on Monday.
The NHL player announced he has chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a slow-growing cancer of the white blood cells. He issued a statement on the team’s website.
“It is highly treatable and I have begun taking a pill on a daily basis that has proven to be very effective in controlling this cancer,” Blake said in a statement. “The prognosis, and certainly the expectations of my physician, myself and my family, is that I will live a long, full and normal life.”
Already undergoing treatment, Blake’s condition won’t get in the way of his playing schedule, according to team doctors.
“This situation will not impact my ability to live my life as I otherwise would, and will not affect my ability to perform at my highest level for the Toronto Maple Leafs,” he said. “I’m looking forward to my first season with the Leafs and helping our club compete for the Stanley Cup.”
The 34-year-old native of Moorhead, Minnesota, signed a US$20-million, five-year deal with the Leafs in the off-season. The four-time 20-goal scorer had 40 goals and 29 assists last year with the New York Islanders.
While Blake’s on-ice performance won’t be affected, the team said it will be mindful of his condition.
“Jason will be able to continue to play fully with the team and will be monitored closely by both the team’s physician and his CML specialist,” team doctor Noah Forman said.
– Information Courtesy the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society -
