Fitness Star Richard Simmons Reveals His Diagnosis
Richard Simmons is one of the world’s most respected fitness instructors. He is also an iconic motivator. He recently took to Facebook to reveal his diagnosis. This sparked curiosity and concern among fans worldwide. The post shared sheds light on Richard’s health journey.
Richard Simmons at the Grand Opening for “For The Stars Fashion House” on October 19, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
On March 18, 2024, Richard took to Facebook to write, “I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ….dying.” While his opening statement was scary, his message emphasized embracing each day fully. He acknowledged the reality of death. He urged readers to see that life ends.
The following day, Richard shared another post narrating his journey with skin cancer. It started with a bump under his eye and his attempt to treat it at home. However, when it persisted, he visited his dermatologist, who diagnosed him with cancer.
He was initially surprised. But, he joked with his doctor before seeking specialized care. The doctor had told him he had Basel Cell Carcinoma. He jokingly asked the doctor to stop calling him dirty names.
Upon visiting a cancer doctor from England, Dr Ralph A. Massey, Richard encountered a waiting room. It was full of people with different forms of skin cancer, highlighting the prevalence of the disease. The doctor explained the procedure to remove the cancer cells. It involved burning the affected area without numbing it. This caused Richard discomfort and even tears.
Despite the pain, Richard Simmons endured multiple sessions to remove all the cancer cells. After the third session, he hugged the doctor. The doctor told him they were not through and said, “We are not done yet I have to stitch your face up.”
It took 45 minutes for the doctor to finish stitching him up. Before he left, the doctor had to check almost all parts of his body. Although left with temporary marks on his face, Richard followed his doctor’s instructions. He did so diligently to minimize scarring.
Reflecting on his experience, Richard acknowledges the severity of cancer. He recounted instances of friends facing more severe forms like breast or stomach cancer. He noted, “My cancer was nothing compared to some people that I knew.”
Despite the challenges, he shared positive stories of survival and support. He emphasized the importance of regular check-ups and early detection in combating the...