By The Star Staff
Former professional basketball player José “Piculín” Ortiz announced on Wednesday that he has colorectal cancer.
“I want to share with you, the people of Puerto Rico and all the people who have always been, in one way or another, my followers,” Ortiz, 60, said in a video posted on his social networks. “It was found on Nov. 2 that I have colorectal cancer, which we are willing to fight.”
“It’s not easy, and people who go through that situation can say that, but my family and I are positive and looking forward to what we can do along the way,” said the former power forward, who played professionally with the Utah Jazz of the NBA as well as on various European teams, and in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional. “But I have a group of doctors and professionals who are going to be helping me in this battle.”
“We just ask that you pray for us,” Ortiz added.
He did not reveal what stage the cancer is in.