Cherished Washington Capitals radio announcer John Walton reveals devastating diagnosis
John Walton, the beloved radio voice of the Washington Capitals, has announced he is battling colon cancer.
Fans and colleagues offer support as Walton prepares for surgery. Known for his enduring presence both with the Capitals and the Hershey Bears, Walton revealed his health condition in a heartfelt social media post on Tuesday.
Walton disclosed that he is scheduled for surgery to address the cancer, but remains hopeful as his medical team has expressed optimism about his recovery. Despite the challenging news, Walton plans to be back at the Capitals Training Camp in September, aiming to resume his role for the team's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Flyers on September 22nd.
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"I will be in a fight for a bit, but it's a fight I'm going to win," Walton writes. "I am so incredibly thankful for my hockey and MSE family who have been so supportive of me through this time, and I won't be down for long."
John Walton has been the distinguished radio voice for the Capitals since 2011, following a nine-year tenure with the Hershey Bears. His career also includes notable national TV appearances, such as covering Stanley Cup playoff games and women's hockey at the 2018 Winter Olympics for NBC Sports.
Following Walton's announcement, the Capitals' PR team, the team's official social media account, and team owner Ted Leonsis extended their well-wishes and support.
"Wishing you strength and healing - know that you're surrounded by love and positive thoughts,» the Capitals PR team tweeted. «We are here to support you every step of the way."
"John - your #ALLCAPS family is standing with you in this fight," Leonsis wrote. "We @MSE and the @Capitals will be with you every step of the way. Wishing you a swift recovery and can't wait to see you back in the booth soon."
In his final note, Walton urged those over 45 to get regular screenings for colon cancer, as recommended by the American Cancer Society. The routine screenings are advised to start at age 45 and continue until age 75.
The entire hockey community is rallying around John Walton, eagerly anticipating his return to the broadcast booth. His voice has been a cherished part of the Capitals' games, and fans look forward to many more seasons of his insightful commentary.
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POLL |
28 AOUT | 26 ANSWERS Cherished Washington Capitals radio announcer John Walton reveals devastating diagnosis Are you a fan of John Walton's broadcasting style? |
Yes | 9 | 34.6 % |
No | 17 | 65.4 % |
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