When you’re a pro athlete — no matter which sport you play — injuries are a part of the job. After all, what do you expect to happen when 350 pound lineman are crashing into each other for an entire 60 minute NFL game? Or when a pitcher throws 5,000+ pitches throughout an MLB season. Those injuries come with the territory, and professional athletes receive big time salaries in exchange for the physical damage done to their bodies. But as sports fans, we often forget these elite athletes are just as vulnerable as we are, when it comes to life threatening illnesses and diseases such as cancer.
While no cancer diagnosis is a “good thing” — stories of pro athletes winning battles against cancer often raise awareness, create sources of inspiration, and lead to crucial donations toward finding a cure. Lance Armstrong’s well known battle with cancer is a perfect example. Since beating cancer in 1997, Armstrong’s foundation has raised awareness globally, and sold over $325 million in Livestrong bracelets. Lance Armstrong is just one of many athletes who courageously defeated cancer and returned to play professional sports.
Here are 10 Athletes Who Beat Cancer During Their Careers. Their stories are truly an inspiration to us all!
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