16 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Mike Kennedy, the voice of the Wichita State University Shockers men’s basketball team for 44 years, said Thursday he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A statement from Kennedy was released by the Wichita State social media accounts on Thursday.
Kennedy said he has been a part of 1,419 consecutive broadcasts of men’s basketball games but will miss the upcoming road games at East Carolina on Thursday and Charlotte on Sunday. He is two weeks into treatment and said in the statement he feels good.
“Unfortunately, tonight it is necessary to step back from that labor of love for a moment,” Kennedy said in the statement.
The prognosis is good, Kennedy said, because it was caught early by his doctors.
“I have always been blessed with good health and probably have been a little nonchalant about that, but my wife Debbie has stayed after me about keeping regular doctor’s appointments and it was because of that, that the doctors were able to diagnose the cancer in a timely manner,” Kennedy said. “If there is a message in all of this, I urge all men to get checked regularly.”
Kennedy said he is appreciative of the support he has received.
“The support and encouragement I have received beyond my family, from WSU administrators, coaches and my broadcasting teammates, has been overwhelming and gratifying beyond words,” Kennedy said. “Based on how that has made me feel, I encourage all of you, if you know anyone dealing with cancer or any difficult medical diagnosis, to reach out to them – I can’t tell you how much your words can mean. Thank you to Shocker Nation for your incredible support over these many years, and I look forward to getting back in action next week and beyond.”
You can read Kennedy’s full statement by clicking here.