'Idol' Finalist Menard Battling Cancer

AOL
Posted: 2008-05-21 08:42:14
(May 21) -- Luke Menard, who made it to this season's top 16 of 'American Idol,' has announced that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Photo Gallery

Arnold Turner, Wire Image

Celebrity Health
Scares and Ailments

1 of 36    

Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C in July. A statement released by her publicist said that the disease was likely caused by her drug use years ago. "I am committed...to meet this challenge," Cole said.

CBS News reports that a representative for the singer's a capella group said that Menard "had a lingering cough and was having trouble breathing deeply, so he went to the doctor to have it checked out." Initially diagnosed as walking pneumonia, a chest x-ray "led to the stage II Hodgkin diagnosis."

Doctors have told the 29-year-old singer that his condition is "treatable and manageable."

2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
2008-05-21 08:42:14
Bookmark

Recent Comments

1 - 15 of 607
607 comments

mbaker4441 07:33:49 PM May 27 2008

good luck you'll be in our hearts and prayers
glad you found out early enough for treatment
always enjoyed your vocals on american idol

treesprite23 02:41:08 PM May 26 2008

psyisascam, you obviously had a bad shrink.
Like any field, it has its share of bad apples. Don't down the whole profession.

neuticles 12:23:55 PM May 26 2008

Why do thes epeople get so much publicity? This guy was #16?
I even read a big story about a guy that auditioned- was rejected-
was later arrested for pandering to an underage person and got
publicity. As for that David Cook- Im so sick of hearing about that
guy I could puke.

ibegladys 05:49:58 PM May 25 2008

My daughter had Hodgkins when she was 21 and came throught it finally. Then she was told she would not have children. Two years after she had her last chemo treatment, God granted her twins. She had been clean for 20 yrs now. God bless you and be confident of your recovery. Enjoy your children and live it up.

crazydriver17 06:14:42 AM May 25 2008

awww that sucks... my whole comment didn't show up. Oh well... I'm too sleepy to finish the rest. I hope your cancer gets healed

crazydriver17 06:13:23 AM May 25 2008

I dont think the cure for Cancer will ever get out only because Cancer is a big money maker. Just on this board I've read about atleast 50 people having cancer or knowing someone that does and most of them are taking Chemo (which cost thousands). I feel dumb saying this twice but my mom cured hers w/ organic Apricot Seeds. She gave up Chemo when she heard two doctors trying to make a decision about whether they were going to keep my mom for a few more months, put her in remission (can't spell) or to tell my dad that it's too late that there was nothing else they could do. The doctors had her almost asleep, but, she said that something was allowing her to stay awake (she's a very strong believer in Christ). Anyways, she had my dad take her home and in about a week she found out about Apricot seeds from the internet. They ordered them from Mexico b/c at the time organic a. seeds were illegal here b/c they cured cancer, this was 5 years ago. She took 9 a day and grinded them up on her fo

sue8553 05:34:14 AM May 25 2008

I have a very dear friend went through this just last year and he is doing great, so everyone keep up the prayers cause they do work and I do hope and pray for this young man to have a full recovery.

sharbear009 05:19:35 AM May 25 2008

luke I am praying for you to interevene and heal u in the name of jesus .I know this is true because with him everything is possible god bless you and your family/

daydreamer447 05:13:19 AM May 25 2008

Got2haveCoke, you must be a child. At least that is what I gather from your very hateful post! You may not like LUKE, but this has absolutely NOTHING to do with liking someone or disliking someone!! THIS HAS TO DO WITH A VERY DEADLY DISEASE known as CANCER! AND, do YOU even realize that you could be diagnosed with it tomorrow?? REMEMBER, cancer doesn't always strike the THE OTHER PERSON.....sometimes IT DOES HAPPEN TO YOU!! Remember THAT when you want to pay an insult to someone who would appreciate your prayers. AND, remember, what GOES AROUND....COMES AROUND! Luke, GOD has GREAT plans for your life and just put your faith and trust in HIM ALONE and KNOW that all of us who care, are lifting you up in our prayers! May GOD grant you HIS awesome peace as you go through this trial and we KNOW, by FAITH, GOD WILL heal you! WE LOVE YOU! GOD BLESS YOU and LUKE, KEEP REACHING FOR THE STARS!!!! IN JESUS NAME!!!

llpllp115 04:02:51 AM May 25 2008

Get Well Soon, Luke!!!

peaches4ev 03:45:29 AM May 25 2008

Luke, I went through Hodgkins myself, and I am now going into 6 years of remission. Hang on tight, and keep the faith, and you will do well. Good luck to you!

PurrFectEngraver 03:09:41 AM May 25 2008

www.mybagcares.com

mssipemudbug 02:29:50 AM May 25 2008

GOD BLESS YOU PATRICK SWAYZE AS YOU BATTLE A VERY DEADLY CANCER. IT IS GOOD TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE FEELING BETTER AND RESPONDING TO TREATMENT. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR'S!

luvssoaring 02:28:03 AM May 25 2008

Luke, God be with you, your family and friends, may he give you peace that surpasses all understanding during this trying time in your life. Remember behind every cloud there is a rainbow and the sun will once again shine upon you i your future endeavors ! Vee

becca12056 02:10:58 AM May 25 2008

I was diagnosed with Hodgkins in 1975.....Had surgeries (no cat scans in those days) and radiation. That was 32 years ago. I've never had a recurrance and continue to live life to the fullest. I beat it and Luke will, too.

1 - 15 of 607
607 comments

Add your own Comments

Photos: Out and About

Fame Pictures

Suri on the Set: TomKat took their little cub to Katie's new TV gig. What show is Mrs. Cruise guesting on?

Photos: Pop Culture Flashback

Carmen Electra
Stephen Lovekin, FilmMagic.com

July 18, 2006: A Pussycat ditches a Pepper and is soon rumored to have taken up with a Heartbreaker.