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Steve Garvey battling prostate cancer, looking to bring awareness to disease
On the heels of his own prostate cancer diagnosis, former Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman Steve Garvey is already determined to turn a negative into a positive for others battling the same disease.
Garvey said that his prostate was removed at UCLA Medical Center in October after his cancer was diagnosed the previous month and that he now hopes to devote a considerable amount of his time to prostate cancer awareness.
“I was thrown a pretty good curveball by God,” Garvey told The Times’ Dylan Hernandez. “I felt I was being challenged to work for prostate awareness for men and the women who love them.”
Garvey has officially answered that challenge by putting several personal baseball items and memorabilia — including his 1974 National League Most Valuable Player Award and his 1981 World Series Championship ring — up for bid through SCP Auctions, with 70% of the proceeds going toward prostate cancer awareness.
Eric Stephen over at True Blue LA has the complete list of items Garvey will auctioning. All will be available for bidding until April 10.
"I have been blessed to win a number of awards and be involved in numerous historical baseball moments over my 20-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres," said Garvey. "I feel it's time to share several pieces of history with those fans who inspired me to those wonderful achievements."
Truly a great gesture on Garvey's behalf, and one that we hope will lead to great rewards for prostate cancer research and awareness.
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As for his own battle, Garvey says it's still too early to say he's out of the woods. He is, however, cautiously optimistic, and can draw on a little family history to help improve his outlook. At age 64, his father was also diagnosed with prostate cancer and would live to be 83. Obviously, Garvey knows that doesn't guarantee him a similar recovery, but any type of positive reinforcement is welcomed in the face of his battle.
Best wishes to you, Mr. Garvey. Here's to many more happy and healthy years to come.
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