New Zealand Tall Black and Veteran NBL centre, Alex Pledger was last week diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer.
Following nearly five months of feeling unwell, Alex visited numerous medical professionals in New Zealand who ran a series of tests all of which came back inconclusive.
Alex was admitted to hospital in New Zealand last week after becoming ill. Further tests were conducted early last week at which point specialists provided the diagnosis. They believed this is something Alex may have been battling for a number of years.
Alex has taken the news well and is optimistic of his chances of winning this battle.
“Obviously this has been a shock. Early tests are showing positive signs and I’m feeling really good about our plan to beat this. I feel extremely lucky that this has been discovered at the stage that it has. I’m really grateful for the medical team, my family and the wonderful support I’m already receiving from the basketball community. I’m looking forward to the future and hopefully getting back on court.”
He will begin radiotherapy over the next week, with his initial plan treatment expected to go for six weeks.
Alex, his fiancée Bailee and his family want to extend their sincere thanks for the love and support they have received from those already aware of his diagnosis. We ask that Alex’s privacy, and that of his family, is respected at this time as he transitions into the biggest fight of his life.
Alex will not be making any further comments at this time.
PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM THE SIT ZERO FEES SOUTHLAND SHARKS
Like the whole basketball community, we have been floored by Alex's diagnosis, but we have quickly moved to support Chief, Bailee and their family any and every way we can.
We know they couldn't be in a better place to meet this challenge head-on with the support of our Sharks family.
Alex will remain an integral part of our playing roster for the 2021 Sal's NBL season and we thank our fans and community in advance for their support and for respecting their privacy at this time.
