"I'm moved to tears": College basketball insider Dick Vitale gets emotional after receiving words of motivation from a 16-year-old cancer survivor

ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale has been dealing with a longstanding battle with cancer. The struggle continued in 2021 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma right after multiple surgeries for melanoma. While he was declared cancer-free in 2022, it returned a year later; this time affecting his vocal chords.

More recently, Vitale revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer in his lymph nodes. He underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the cancerous cells. Through all this struggle, Vitale has been open to fans on social media, giving them regular updates along with motivational messages.

It looks like a 16-year-old boy took comfort in his journey and he shared his story with the broadcaster. Dick Vitale then shared the same with fans on X.

"I am moved to tears by the message from 16 yr old WESTON HERMANN who has had 5 battles vs brain cancer," Vitale wrote. "Weston is a key reason y I am transparent about my battles. It helps me raise $$$ for kids vs cancer thru @TheVFoundation"

Vitale also shared the actual message from Weston:

"You’ve been such a strong support for me through my own battles, and now it’s my turn to cheer you on. When I was going through my treatments, I focused on staying positive and taking things one day at a time. Remember to keep your spirits high and lean on your loved ones for support.

"Your strength and determination have always been an inspiration to me, and I know you have what it takes to overcome this challenge. Stay strong and keep fighting—you’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you."

After the surgery on Tuesday, Dick Vitale is set to undergo six weeks of radiation to take care of the one remaining cancerous lymph node.

---

Dick Vitale warns followers against a scammer pretending to be his assistant

In the middle of his health battle, Dick Vitale is also dealing with a scammer. The person, who goes by the username @micheal_phil112 on Instagram, has been contacting Vitale's followers, asking them to donate on a fake GoFundMe to help with the hospital expenses.

The broadcaster shared pictures of the DMs and the alleged account to his X, asking followers to ignore the scammer.

"This message for a GO FUND on my behalf is NOT LEGIT! This guy says he is my personal assistant - please followers Do not respond to him as I have NO IDEA WHO THIS IS . HE IS A FRAUD & he is now contacting my followers on Instagram - Facebook - email."