FANS have expressed concern for beloved Today Show weatherman Al Roker ever since he announced he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
America's favorite forecaster has kept his followers up to date as he continues his battle with the disease – though fans are particularly concerned after he missed out on the historic Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade this year.
How is Al Roker doing?
The much-adored weatherman has been a mainstay of the Today Show for over 25 years.
But his absence from the show has been heart-breaking for his legions of fans, and he has issued a much-needed update on his health.
As questions of his whereabouts grew into the festive period, Roker made an Instagram post confirming he has been in the hospital receiving treatment for blood clots.
"Last week, I was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my leg, which sent some clots into my lungs," he wrote.
However, Roker revealed on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022, that he was being discharged from the hospital.
"This is my version of the Thanksgiving Day parade. Getting ready to leave the hospital. … Time to blow this taco stand," Roker said in an Instagram video, as he's seen exiting a hospital.
Blood clots are not uncommon for cancer patients as they are considered four times more likely to develop a blood clot event than individuals without cancer, according to Hematology Oncology.
Also on Thanksgiving, Roker posted a photo of himself watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from his home.
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He appeared to be happy and captioned the post: "Back home in time to catch a little bit of the #macysthanksgivingdayparade Missing being next to @savannahguthrie and @hodakotb."
Later that same day, Roker posted photos with his family and wrote: "So very #thankful to be able to be home for #thanksgiving #dinner with #family."
On November 30, 2022, Roker was scheduled to appear alongside Today hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Craig Melvin for the 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting special, however, he will reportedly be replaced by actor Mario Lopez while he continues his recovery.
What has AI Roker said about his health status?
As of November 24, 2022, Roker seems to be in good spirits.
On November 18, 2022, he playfully described his treatment as "medical whack-a-mole" in an Instagram post to his 800K followers.
In his update, he also wrote that he has been "fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and is on the way to recovery."
Timeline of Al Roker's battle with prostate cancer:
- After almost postponing a regular physical, he was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 by his doctor.
- Roker went public with his diagnosis to spread awareness about the effects it has on the black community.
- In March 2021, Roker had surgery to have his prostate removed for treatment.
- In November 2022, he was hospitalized for blood clots in his lungs and leg.
- Roker missed being a host of the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2022, for the first time in 27 years due to his recovery.
- Roker spent Thanksgiving Day on November 24, 2022, at home with his family.
Who is Al Roker's support system?
As Roker battles his cancer and its side effects, he has been depending on his wife and family.
He is the proud father of three children, Courtney, Leila, and Nicholas.
Courtney is Roker's daughter from his previous marriage to Alice Bell, while he shares Leila and Nicholas with Deborah Roberts. Roberts shared a heartbreaking update on Roker's health after he was rushed to the hospital in late November.
Courtney, 35, is married and spends her day as a successful chef running her own catering business.
Leila, 24, followed in the footsteps of her father craving a career in the media as she is currently a journalist based out of Paris.
Finally, Nicholas, 17, is attending school and looking forward to university.
Roker has also updated fans with a tribute to his friend and former co-host Jay Leno, who suffered burns in a car accident earlier this month.
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Roker looked unrecognizable as he shared a throwback snap of himself and Leno, a decade before Al underwent stomach bypass surgery in 2002 to aid his weight loss as he ballooned to 340 pounds.
He captioned the pics: "Here’s to a speedy recovery to our friend, Jay Leno who is one of the most genuine and generous folks on the planet. Get well soon, Jay."
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