The Challenge Australia 2022’s Billy Dib has publicly thanked his friends and family for their support after his shock “aggressive” cancer diagnosis.
The 37-year-old took to Instagram on November 10, sharing a carousel of images, which showed his friends and family shaving their heads in solidarity.
“One in, all in. I have the best support system around me. Big thank yo [sic] all my relatives and friends for showing so much love and support,” he captioned the post.
On November 8, Billy revealed that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer.
Sharing the news on social media, the father-of-one and husband of Sara Selim Dib said that a tumour removed from his colon two weeks earlier was “not what I was hoping for”.
“I’ve had to dig deep many times in my life before and, with the grace of Allah (God), have got through the many struggles before me in the past.”
Billy, who is of Lebanese heritage and Muslim faith, then called on his religion to help “defeat this awful disease”.
“Cancer will be the hardest opponent I’ve faced, but I want you to know that I’m fighting harder than I ever have, and God willing, I will defeat this awful disease.”
What Is Next for Billy Dib In His Cancer Journey?
Billy — who is a pro boxer — will undergo chemotherapy “as soon as possible”.
“I have to walk this journey as so many others do every single day with the support of their health professionals, family and friends,” he said.
“In the difficult times, I know I’m not alone. I have Allah (swt), my wife, son, family and all of you beside me. Your prayers, kind words and support all help me when I need inspiration.”
Even though The Challenge Australia is set to begin on November 14, Billy will be “less active on social media to focus on this challenge ahead”.
“I promise to give this newest challenge everything I have; with my beautiful family, I have too much to live for to give any less than 100%.”
Billy Dib Has Been Sharing His Cancer Journey on Social Media
On November 4, Billy shared a video revealing that doctors had located the “cancerous tumour” and had removed it.
“I am now in recovery, and as you can see, I am recovering well,” he said. “I am still super motivated and looking forward to living my best life.”
At the time, he was unaware of his full diagnosis.
A few weeks earlier, he had been admitted to his local hospital with “debilitating stomach pain”. After receiving meds that did not help, his brother referred him to another doctor.
A 5cm cancerous tumour was found, and they operated immediately.
For more information on Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, visit cancer.org.au.
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