Longtime newsman hid diagnosis for five months
Storified by Harrison Golden ·
Wed, Feb 12 2014 12:03:42
Former 'NBC Nightly News' anchor and managing editor Tom Brokaw revealed in a press release Tuesday that he is battling multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow.
Brokaw, who turned 74 last Thursday, was diagnosed in August at the Mayo Clinic. Until now, the news legend had kept his cancer and ongoing treatment from the public.
Tom Brokaw diagnosed with cancer, prognosis encouraging http://t.co/wGvgY1oj4u
— NBC News ·
Tue, Feb 11 2014 15:11:09
Journalists across networks and platforms tweeted well wishes.
. @tombrokaw is one tough cowboy, no doubt he'll give this a helluva fight. http://t.co/GKVcn99QI7
— Luke Russert ·
Tue, Feb 11 2014 15:13:56
Tom Brokaw has cancer. Root like hell for him. http://t.co/OReKLm6Q1S
— The Fix ·
Tue, Feb 11 2014 15:14:10
Glad to hear it's encouraging RT @mediaflood: Tom Brokaw Diagnosed with Cancer, Prognosis Encouraging - http://t.co/fYiXPCdfYS
— Matt Mackowiak ·
Tue, Feb 11 2014 17:59:46
@tombrokaw Dear Mr. Brokaw: Your kindness at 30 Rock (the compliment for my @harrybelafonte intw) is never forgotten. Kick ass!
— Pablo Guzmán ·
Tue, Feb 11 2014 17:42:59
Wishing Tom Brokaw, a top-notch broadcaster and historian, luck as he fights multiple myeloma. - http://t.co/qVzCyAMGad
— Harrison Golden ·
Tue, Feb 11 2014 15:55:19
Brokaw thanked friends, family and other supporters for well wishes. He also asked the public respect his privacy as his treatment continues.
Brokaw co-anchored NBC's "Today" from 1976 to 1982, then helmed "Nightly News" from 1982 to 2004. He remains the latter program's longest-serving anchor.
Tom Brokaw Says Farewell To NBC Nightly News ·
jsingit
Despite retiring from 30 Rock's daily grind, Brokaw remains a special correspondent for NBC News. He has served as a historian of sorts. His books on the Greatest Generation have captured readers across America, while his anecdotes have only solidified his long career.
Tom Brokaw recalls vodka with Gorbachev ·
cnn
Brokaw even tweets every so often. As of Wednesday, 78,000 Twitter users follow his account. His latest obsession is the Sochi Olympics.
Go, Bode, go.
Your time - again.
This time as Poppa!
— Tom Brokaw ·
Sat, Feb 08 2014 19:37:21
NBC News added that Brokaw will keep contributing stories to network broadcasts, even as his cancer treatment continues.
