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Greg Brooks Jr. health update: LSU DB diagnosed with brain cancer, school announces
- Story byThe Daily Advertiser
- Greg Brooks Jr. health update: LSU DB diagnosed with brain cancer, school announces
LSU football safety Greg Brooks Jr. has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, the program announced Wednesday alongside Brooks's family and Baton Rouge-based Our Lady of the Lake Health.
Brooks, a team captain, has medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. He had emergency brain surgery the Friday before the Tigers' Week 3 game against Mississippi State after experiencing dizziness that stemmed from Vertigo the Wednesday prior to the game .
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"For the last three weeks, Greg has been recovering from an extensive surgery to remove a brain tumor that was located between his cerebellum and brainstem," said Catherine O'Neal, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Health. "Greg's speech and ability to communicate has been impacted, and although he is responsive and working daily with physical therapy, he will face months of intensive rehabilitation.
"The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread. As he begins rehab in the coming weeks, Greg's family and care team will determine a treatment plan in collaboration with nationally recognized specialists in this specific form of brain cancer. He has a long journey ahead and will need the full support of our community behind him as he faces this battle."
In response to Brooks' diagnosis, LSU has launched the NCAA-sanctioned Greg Brooks Victory Fund, which allows supporters to help cover his medical expenses for the journey ahead.
Here's an update on Brooks health, including statements from his family and LSU:
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Greg Brooks health update
A few weeks after missing LSU's Week 3 game against Mississippi State, Brooks has been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.
The Wednesday before the Tigers' game against the Bulldogs, Brooks started experiencing dizziness that stemmed from vertigo. Two days later he had emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor. Wednesday's press release states Brooks' "speech and ability to communicate has been impacted" and he will face "months of intensive rehabiliation."
The statement announced Brooks' surgery was successful and there's no evidence of the cancer spreading. He will start rehab in the coming weeks, along with a treatment plan in collaboration with specialists in medulloblastoma.
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What is medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor in the cerebellum, or lower back of the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. The cancer can happen at any age, but most often impacts young children.
The Mayo Clinic adds: "Medulloblastoma begins as a growth of cells, which is called a tumor. The cells grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the brain. Medulloblastoma cells tend to spread through the fluid that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord. This is called cerebrospinal fluid. Medulloblastomas don't usually spread to other parts of the body."
What is the Greg Brooks Victory Fund?
Following Brooks' diagnosis, LSU's Tiger Athletic Foundation created the Greg Brooks Victory Fund to help support Brooks' medical expenses. Our Lady of the Lake Health also supported the fund's creation.
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According to the press release, NCAA rules allow schools to receive financial gifts and manage an account to support Brooks. The fund will offset the costs of Brooks' care, including "treatment, medicine, therapy, travel and more."
Brooks family statement on Greg Brooks' health
Brooks family issued a statement following the diagnosis:
"Greg has been a daily inspiration to us all," the Brooks family said in a statement. "He fights like a Tiger each day and continues to make incremental improvements. We have a long road ahead and are appreciative of the support from our LSU family and Tiger fans. Greg has fans around the world and our phones have been ringing off the hook for the last several weeks with words of encouragement and support. Greg is a warrior! Please continue to keep No. 3, and our entire family, in your prayers."
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LSU statement on Greg Brooks
LSU President William F. Tate IV also released a statement on Brooks:
"Greg is a fighter and a winner, and we believe wholeheartedly that he will conquer this battle with cancer," he said. "Victories are rarely achieved alone, which is why we're calling on fans from around the world to rally behind The Greg Brooks Victory Fund. Your support will ensure that Greg and his family have everything they need as they embark on their journey to healing and recovery."
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: LSU DB Greg Brooks Jr. diagnosed with brain cancer, school announces
