Hank Green shares his cancer diagnosis
YouTuber and VidCon co-founder Hank Green shared on Friday that he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system.
“It seems likely that we caught mine early. I’m still waiting for a scan to sort of confirm that,” Green said in a 13-minute video uploaded to YouTube. He said he would start chemotherapy soon
Green and his brother John, a YA author, gained notoriety online through their shared YouTube channel vlogbrothers. They have created various other popular projects, including the educational YouTube channel Crash Course and the “Dear Hank and John” podcast.
Green said he got advice from friends who had cancer before about what to expect during treatment. He explained that he had several risk factors for lymphoma, including certain medications, an autoimmune disease and childhood mononucleosis.
He also discussed how his diagnosis might impact his work in the future and shared that he might not be able to create content as frequently. Green acknowledged that his community would likely be understanding and supportive about it.
“I play it by ear,” he said in the video. “I know I’m going to feel like trash, like this is going to be really nasty.”
VidCon, the annual internet culture convention held in Anaheim, posted a statement on Instagram announcing that Green will not be attending this year’s event, which will take place next month.
“Due to his recent diagnosis, Hank will no longer be able to attend VidCon Anaheim 2023 next month,” the post read. “To our co-founder, a go-to scientist and the only person on the internet who seems to understand where all the candle wax goes: we send all the love from the VidCon community and beyond.”
Following Green’s announcement, many shared their support for him in the comments.
“I’m so sorry to hear from Hank! I wish you all the strength and energy to get through this,” said YouTuber Seán McLoughlin, better known as Jacksepticeye, tweeted.
“I don’t care if it’s parasocial but legitimate love and love for you like you’re my weird uncle that I never see. You unknowingly provided me with so much strength over years and I hope you feel like the community can breathe strength into you!!” a fan tweeted.
Fans also sent in green photos of pelicans to show their love, per Green’s request.
nbcnews
