Nearly a year ago, we witnessed Tiger Woods hugging veteran golf writer Steve DiMeglio while catching up at the Hero World Challenge tournament in The Bahamas. DiMeglio had met Woods for the first time in 16 months, having been on disability since September 2022, due to his battle with Stage 4 liver and rectum cancer. He was diagnosed in July two years ago and since then the golf world has rallied in support of the USA Today and Golfweek journalist.

Phil Mickelson has been one of those golfers who have shown his support for DiMeglio. On Saturday he shared DiMeglio’s video posted by the American Cancer Society, which captured his journey from the diagnosis to the intense chemotherapy treatments. Mickelson also had a message for DiMeglio in his X post.

“Steve is one of the best people in the game of golf. What he’s going through is brutal and yet he is so inspiring. Let’s continue to pray for him and learn from his message. The best way to beat cancer is to catch it early,” he wrote.

Mickelson has seen what cancer can do to a person and family. After all, his wife, Amy Mickelson, went through a similar battle when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Mickelson left his game when he was at peak and catered to his wife. Less than two months after his wife’s diagnosis Phil’s mother, Mary Mickelson, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. While both of Phil’s family members survived the ordeal, he understands the struggles firsthand. This made his support for DiMeglio all the more poignant.

In the YouTube video, DiMeglio explains that he first felt he needed to see a doctor after the 2022 Open Championship when he “didn’t have a single beer.” DiMeglio had a throbbing pain on the right side. So the journalist booked an appointment to have it checked out.

There the doctor took a few blood samples and examined him. They found a mass on the right side of the body. DiMeglio was given the news that he had Stage 4 cancer which had spread to his liver, colon, and stomach. Thus started his battle against a deadly illness.

According to his 2023 tweet, he was told by the doctors that he had six months to live without treatment, hence he had no option but to undergo the grueling road to survival. In the video, he revealed, “I’ve got chemo infusions 49 times every two weeks I take six pills that attack the cancer,  pain pills a sleeping pill and now I’m taking a pill for my neuropathy so about nine pills a day. Still, I got winded walking 150 yards, it’s it’s tough.” DiMeglio has to go on as at his stage, adding that “I get to fight.”

Last year, DiMeglio showed up at The Players Championship in March, taking a break for the first time in nine months after being diagnosed with cancer. “I miss the guys, I miss talking on the [golf] range, I miss all the socializing in the media center. I don’t miss looking at a blank screen on deadline,” DiMeglio said back then.

The likes of Rickie Fowler, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Speith, and many others warmly embraced the veteran journalist when he made it to the  Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

Meanwhile, Mickelson’s X post led to more messages of support and prayers for DiMeglio, who continues to update the fans about his condition on social media.

Fans join Phil Mickelson as he prays for DiMeglio’s recovery

When DiMeglio was at the 2022 Open, he was sharing a house with Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig. He noticed, “He wasn’t himself. He wasn’t eating properly and you could tell he wasn’t feeling well.” Harig was one of the people who watched DiMeglio fight cancer. And although the writer has to stay in his home most days because of fatigue, Harig is still in touch with him. When Mickelson posted about his friend, Harig couldn’t stop. He said, “Nice shoutout here from Phil for @Steve_DiMeglio who continues to put up the good fight.”

As he fights the cancer, the one thing DiMeglio wants to do is inspire people to visit the doctor. He said that even if one person gets inspired and visits the doctors earlier, then that would be helpful. He surely inspired this user, as they wished him the best and said, “Keep battling Steve. We are praying for you. And your message of just going to the doctor once a year is noted. I’m awful at going and needed this reminder. Thank you, sir.”

Phil Mickelson’s message to DiMeglio and his followers, had some cancer survivors share their stories. One follower commented, “I was fortunate to detect throat cancer early and am NED one year. I follow Steve. His battle is so courageous.”

Another follower was inspired by DiMeglio and said, “All the best Steve, I had stage 3 colon cancer in March and I just kicked its a– on outta me. I feel we’re on similar paths I want to be the guy to share my story too and inspire help and understanding of the process.” 

DeMaglio has been keeping fans updated about his health condition through frequent tweets on X. Three days ago, he tweeted, “Stomach? Feels good. Neuropathy hands and feet? Fine. Liver area where largest mass of tumors are? Fine. Left side of rib cage? What the ….? For first time since diagnosis 2 1/2 years ago, I have pain there.” Also, on November 10, he provided a  more positive update, writing, “For fourth consecutive day, I’ve woken up not feeling sick, which hasn’t happened in more than two years !!! Must be the venue known as Las Vegas, gambling, NFL and college FB, and medicine. Need Steelers to cover. Onward without a stomach ache !!!!”

Right now, DiMeglio revealed that his Master’s victory would be that he doesn’t have to take chemo anymore and is cancer-free. We hope that gets that win soon.