One year later, New Jersey Devils center Brian Boyle continues his fight against chronic myeloid leukemia as he’s set to begin another season. He gave an update on his condition to a very unlikely place.
One year ago, we were setting up for another season of New Jersey Devils hockey, but their big free agent acquisition was not with them. Brian Boyle was out of the lineup for an unknown amount of time while he fought cancer. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia right before training camp.
He spoke with People Magazine, yes that People Magazine, about his condition at this point. Honestly, it’s even more amazing what he went through last year. Like, this man is a true and honest hero.
A lot was revealed in this interview. For one, we learned just how hard last year was for Boyle. His form of cancer causes fatigue and other symptoms that hurt a professional athlete. Beyond that, his son was going through close to a dozen procedures while trying to figure out what was wrong with him. For a bit, the Boyles thought their boy had an aggressive form of cancer. Luckily, that was not the case. Still, seeing your young son go through treatments like he was mentally takes a toll.
On top of all that, the Boyles just had another baby. So on top of fighting cancer, playing professional hockey, and dealing with their son’s illness, they had a crying newborn to nurture.
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It’s amazing what Boyle did, and even better that he allowed People to get a first hand look. It helped us get a real scope of what he went through, and his true dedication to the Devils.
Now, looking ahead, we also know what Boyle has ahead of him. His treatments are not over, and they won’t be for a while. He told the magazine that he will be doing this treatment for a total of three years. Obviously, that takes him through this season, which could be his last with the Devils. Not because of the sickness, just because this was probably part of the plan all along.
Honestly, I was waiting for a good prognosis on Boyle in his cancer fight. Because he got such a positive outlook last year, I was not aware that he would be fighting this for so long. We will continue to root hard for the Devils hero. He will always have a special place in fans’ hearts forever.