The 85-year-old celebrates his fourth victory over the disease.
Highlights
- Dick Vitale recently announced that his latest PET scan came back clean, indicating he is cancer-free after battling the disease for over three years.
- Throughout his health challenges, Vitale’s wife of 54 years, Lorraine McGrath, has been a significant source of support and strength.
- The Vitale family is deeply involved in their community, with strong ties to the University of Notre Dame and active participation in local sports teams in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Legendary college basketball announcer Dick Vitale, 85, recently shared uplifting news: his latest PET scan returned clean, indicating he is cancer-free.
This announcement marks his fourth victory over cancer in just over three years, following previous battles with melanoma, lymphoma, and vocal cord cancer.
Vitale’s wife of 53 years, Lorraine McGrath, has been a strong presence throughout his health challenges.
Her support has been significant during his treatments, with Vitale expressing profound gratitude for her role as his caregiver.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, he acknowledged,
I would have no chance without her loving support.
INSTAGRAM
SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called & said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER ! OMG thanks so much to ALL of YOU for your 🙏🙏🙏Yes I’m cutting the nets down baby it’s my National Championship! @TheMontagGroup @jksports @TheVCEO @ESPNPR @ @WSB_Speakers pic.twitter.com/XGa1bJ8pzu
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 12, 2024
Dick Vitale Started As A Coach
Born on June 9, 1939, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Dick Vitale’s career in basketball began in coaching.
He started at the high school level, achieving significant success, including two state championships.
His coaching journey progressed to positions at Rutgers University and the University of Detroit, where he served as head coach.
In 1978, he briefly coached the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.
Following his coaching tenure, Vitale transitioned to broadcasting, joining ESPN in its early days during the 1979-80 season.
Dick and Lorraine Have Strong Community Ties To Notre Dame
Lorraine McGrath and Dick Vitale married in 1971, building a life centered around family and shared values.
They have two daughters, Terri and Sherri, both of whom attended the University of Notre Dame on tennis scholarships and earned MBAs.
The Vitale family has maintained strong ties to Notre Dame, including endowing the Dick Vitale Family Scholarship, awarded annually to a student involved in sports or activities who does not receive financial aid.
The couple resides in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, where they are active members of the community and supporters of local sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays.
Their five grandchildren, with whom they share a close bond.
As Vitale continues to share his passion for basketball with fans, his recent health update brings relief and joy to those who have followed his journey.
Additional Information
- Dick Vitale has written fourteen books, sharing his insights and experiences in the world of basketball. His most famous ones are “Dick Vitale’s Living a Dream” and “It’s Awesome, Baby!“
- Vitale has appeared in several films and television shows. Notably, he guest-starred on “The Cosby Show” along with his friend Jim Valvano, playing furniture movers in the eighth-season episode “The Getaway.”
- Over the years, Vitale has appeared in various commercials for well-known brands, including DiGiorno pizza, Oberto beef jerky, GEICO, and Hooters restaurants.
