Members of the Red Sox were pleased to get word on Tuesday that Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland had successful surgery to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain.
For first-base prospect Anthony Rizzo, the news meant a little more.
Rizzo, 20, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in May 2008 while with high Single-A Salem. After many rounds of chemotherapy treatments he was declared cancer-free in November of that year.
"It's awesome [to hear the news of Westmoreland getting through surgery]," Rizzo said after Tuesday's loss to Tampa Bay.
Westmoreland's situation is different than Rizzo's was in terms of the conditions, but Rizzo is familiar with the mental anguish such situations can cause.
"I can relate to what he's going through with his family, but inside … before my first chemotherapy, I was more scared than I've ever been in my life," Rizzo said. "I was strong for my family but I can't imagine what he's going through with the surgery and all the things that can happen."
When he was diagnosed, Rizzo leaned on Red Sox starter Jon Lester for advice. Lester battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2006.
Red Sox officials said that Westmoreland has a "difficult period" ahead of him as he begins his recovery, but Rizzo is confident he'll pull through just fine.
"Ryan, he's a tough, strong kid and we're all pulling for him," Rizzo said.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona added that he got a call from GM Theo Epstein during the day to tell him the surgery was a success. Francona said the club was "thrilled and thankful" to know Westmoreland has taken the first step toward recovery.
