The Minnesota Twins have provided some information about an important member of the team, Kody Funderburk. The team has revealed that his wife, Alicia, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphona before giving birth to their child.
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According to the team, doctors diagnosed this form of cancer affecting the germ-fighting immune system during the early days of the pregnancy. Alicia then began undergoing treatment while simultaneously preparing for the birth of their daughter.
The pitcher then went on the paternity list in late April while celebrating the birth. He returned to the team for a game against the Tampa Bay Rays after missing the series against the New York Mets.
"Fundy (Funderburk) is back from the Paternity List and we want to take a moment to share more of his and his wife's story," the Twins wrote in an Instagram post.
"While pregnant, Alicia, Kody's wife, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After ongoing chemotherapy treatments, doctors are hopeful that she'll make a full recovery.
"Baby Fundy arrived on Monday, April 20th — a healthy baby girl, Murphy Jo. Both Alicia and Murphy are doing well! We are inspired by the strength and positivity the Funderburks have shown and we wish them the very best and continue to support them on and off the field."
The Twins providing more information about the ongoing battle with Hodgkins Lymphona prompted an outpouring of support from MLB fans. Many weighed in on social media saying that they were hoping for the best outcome. Others said they were praying for healing.
These messages did not go unnoticed by the Funderburk family.
"The kind messages and words of encouragement show us there's a light at the end of the tunnel,'' Funderburk said, per the team website. "That is getting us through this and it has made it more bearable to deal with what's going on.''
