Vancouver sportscaster Joey Kenward announces cancer diagnosis

The community is rallying around a longtime Vancouver Canucks sportscaster, after Joey Kenward announced he was diagnosed with cancer last month.

Kenward shared the news on social media on Saturday, saying his leukemia diagnosis “came with very little warning” on Nov. 24.

“Since then I have been at Vancouver General Hospital undergoing treatment from a team of true professionals who do terrific work,” he said on X. “As much as I want nothing more to be at home with my beautiful partner & wonderful 2 year old son (which I hope will happen soon enough) the best place for me to be right now is under the medical care of physicians & nurses.”

Kenward says words aren’t enough to express his gratitude to health workers, colleagues, loved ones, and his employer for the support he’s received since his diagnosis.

The 46-year-old has been in sports broadcasting for more than 20 years nationally and locally.

He was with Canucks Sports & Entertainment for several years, working as the host and reporter for the team, before moving to Sportsnet 650, a CityNews 1130 sister station, when it launched in 2017.

Kenward is using this opportunity to urge others to get their blood tested regularly and to never take anything for granted when it comes to your health.

“I recently turned 46. I’ve been healthy & showed no signs of anything being abnormal (outside of a few days prior to my diagnosis). There’s nothing more I want out of life than being a loving partner & parent and being a hard worker. If I had 2 messages for anyone reading this, it would be to get your blood tested (even just once a year) & don’t take anything for granted when it comes to your health. I’ll do my best to keep you posted on how things go. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Wishing you all the best.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help support Kenward and his family while he undergoes treatment.

His sister, who set up the fundraiser, says the money will be available to Kenward and his loved ones to use “in any way they may need in the tough months to come.”

‘I’ll also add that I know Joey would welcome you to, instead of making a gift here, consider donating blood, as we’ve learned how essential blood donations are for leukemia patients everywhere,” the campaign reads.

Kenward has also received a lot of support online in the wake of his diagnosis. Many have left messages for him and his family, with posts coming from people across the continent.

You can find out more about blood donation through Canadian Blood Services.