MLS commissioner Don Garber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to the league.
Garber – a longtime New Jersey resident who was born in Queens – has undergone a series of comprehensive tests that found the cancer hasn’t spread. Based on the stage of his cancer, Garber’s doctors expect he will have a full recovery, and he intends to continue running the league during treatment.
“Obviously no one wants to hear that they have cancer,” Garber said in a statement. “However, I am being treated by exceptional doctors at two of the top hospitals in the world and am confident, as are they, that the prostate cancer will be successfully treated, with a full recovery.
“I plan on keeping a normal schedule and will continue managing the league and Soccer United Marketing during my course of treatment. With the support of my family, friends, colleagues and doctors, I am feeling very strong, energized and extremely focused.”
Garber has already started treatment at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, which will be followed by surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Both hospitals are in Manhattan.
“Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It will affect one in seven men during their lifetime.” Garber said. “I hope through my experience that I will be able to create awareness of prostate cancer and encourage men to get regular testing, the surest way to ensure a successful outcome for those who get the disease.”