Avery Henry started his cancer treatment this week.
After revealing he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, last month, the Ohio State offensive lineman tweeted Tuesday that he completed his first chemotherapy session to treat the aggressive disease.
Day: 1 Ive started my first chemotherapy session. I feel great and ready! Im extremely thankful for the support I have received from everyone! I will always continue to fight and I ask that you guys do the same throughout your lives. #ImnotaStatistic #Fighter #screwcancer pic.twitter.com/jMVKR0BBaC
— King_Henry2.0 (@AveryHenry731) January 10, 2023
A native of St. Clairsville, Ohio, Henry was a top-10 offensive line recruit in Ohio for the class of 2022, according to 247Sports. He arrived on campus this past June and began training with his teammates over the summer before practicing with them in fall camp and throughout the year. Henry did not appear in a game for the Buckeyes this past season.
Despite his diagnosis in mid-December, Henry still traveled with Ohio State to Atlanta for the team's Peach Bowl matchup with Georgia.
“We're trying to give Avery as much space as we can during this time, but also know that he's got a whole team behind him that's gonna help him through this fight,” head coach Ryan Day said on Dec. 21. “He's gonna be down there in Atlanta with us, God willing, and still be with the team. That's the hope. And we're just going to be a part of this fight with him. So I know the whole team's behind him.”
Henry received his treatment from Ohio State's James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, which is ranked as one of the top 25 cancer hospitals in America, according to U.S. News. Day was hopeful that would be the case for his freshman offensive lineman.
“I told the guys after it happened, things like this give you perspective in life, too,” Day said. “And this is a reason why you get into coaching is to have an impact on young people and help Avery fight this battle. But like we talked about with his family, there's a reason why you're here. There's a reason why you're a Buckeye. And maybe because along the way, you need the James hospital, you need Buckeye Nation, you need this team to help you win this fight, and we're here for you.”
Henry's tweet, which has nearly 50,000 views and more than 1,000 likes on Twitter, received plenty of responses, including some from his Ohio State teammates, backing up Day's claim that the Buckeyes would be there for Henry during his treatment process.
we are with you https://t.co/IVmEC1IEXL
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) January 10, 2023
Much love bro! You are a warrior
— Teradja Mitchell (@teeraaw__) January 10, 2023
— Ben Christman (@BenChristman_) January 10, 2023
