American Idol’s Luke Menard Diagnosed with Cancer

May 22, 2008

American Idol contestant Luke Menard has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a relative of the singer confirms to PEOPLE.

Menard, 29, thought he had walking pneumonia when he first sought medical treatment for a persistent cough. After doctors ran several tests, they found a mass behind his heart and removed a node from under his left collarbone.

According to the relative, a biopsy showed the mass to be a symptom of Stage Two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system.

While in Los Angeles, Menard, who frequently visited Idol to watch the show since being voted off on March 6, received an outpouring of support from his castmates. David Cook and Carly Smithson visited him at the hospital, while he received encouraging emails from other finalists. “That really meant a lot to him,” the relative says, adding that he and Cook are close.

Now back in his hometown of Crawfordsville, Ind., with his wife Lara, Menard is in treatment for the disease. “He is surrounded by his family,” the relative says. “They want to help him beat this and move on.”

His odds are good: with treatment, the survival rate is about 95 percent.

Fox

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Kathy May 22nd, 2008

My husband is a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - Stage IV cancer survivor…TWICE! He was first diagnosed in 2003, at 28 years old. He went through chemo and radiation. He was in remission for eight months and the cancer returned, same stage. This time he underwent aggressive chemo and went to MD Anderson in Houston. There he stayed for three months and went through an Autologist(sp?)Bone Marrow Transplant. I am happy to say he is 33 years old and has been clear for 2 years, 8 months! During that WHOLE process he stood strong in his faith in God and never stopped fighting. He focused on our two children, who were three and one when it all started. It was a blessing that they were so young and really don’t recall all that we went through. Luke you have all my prayers that the Lord will also make you a shining example of healing and a testament to the power of faith. To your wife, special prayers for you as a caretaker. Sometimes being the caretaker is difficult because we can only do so much. For us, God fortifies us to be strong and recognize just what our families need from us and when. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless and keep you through this journey.

Anthia May 22nd, 2008

I am so sorry to read that he has cancer but I know someone who can heal him. Jesus is the healer for all sickness. Give your life to Jesus and he will do the rest

April May 22nd, 2008

May God be with you and your family.You can beat it with the love of God,family and friends.Good luck and God bless.

Marie May 22nd, 2008

You and your family are in my prayers. There are a lot of us out here who are pulling for you.

leanne May 22nd, 2008

I just want to say I wish him and his family all the best. Keep your spirits up!! you can beat this

Stephanie May 22nd, 2008

Wishing him the best! It is so hard to watch someone you love fight for their lives. I can’t imaigne how hard it must be to FIGHT it. I’ve lost 3 family members to it, had one another one survive it and 2 others just finish their treatments, and a co-worker who just finished treatments as well. It is devistating. God Bless Luke and yes, it shows the character of David Cook and Carley to take their time to go and visit him. DC probably understands better than anyone what it’s like for his family. God Bless Luke and I hope that people.com will keep us updated on his condition as time goes on.

Suzi May 22nd, 2008

My prayers and warm smiles are you and your family, Luke.

Tanya May 22nd, 2008

My prayers are with you,Luke. Four years ago(at the age of 33), my husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and he has been in remission for 3 years. Don’t let this disease break your spirit. You can get through anything with the love of your friends and family.

Rachel May 22nd, 2008

Luke was one of my favorites on American Idol, along with David Archuleta and Michael Johns. I really hope he recovers and keeps singing!

michele May 22nd, 2008

thats so sad i hope ever thing works out for him i really liked him!!

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