Jim Kelly: My cancer has returned

Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly's oral cancer has returned.  Kelly said in a statement Thursday morning that his family is once again asking for prayers.

Kelly released the following statement, "As our family has faced many trials and triumphs throughout the years, you have blessed us with your prayers. We are asking for those prayers once again.  The oral cancer we hoped would be gone forever has returned. Although I was shocked and deeply saddened to receive this news, I know that God is with me. I continuously talk about the four F's. Faith, Family, Friends and Fans. With all of you by my side, we will fight and win this battle together. Staying "Kelly Tough" and trusting God, will carry us through this difficult time."

The Bills released a statement as well, saying, "We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Jim Kelly and his impending battle with cancer. Jim is a tough and courageous man and we know he will fight this battle with strength and determination. The Buffalo Bills will support the Kelly family during this trying time and we ask for our fans to pray for the family as Jim begins the treatment process and the road to recovery."

Jill Kelly posted on Instagram asking for prayers and support from the Western New York community.

 

The cancer is back. We are shocked, heartbroken, sad, angry, confused, and just darn tired. Yet, despite how we feel, we KNOW that God is a promise maker and keeper. He is who He says He is! He can do what He says He can do! We don’t have to understand His ways to trust His heart. The battle is HIS. (Exodus 14:14) We need you... In addition to our faith, family, and friends...we really need you and your prayer warrior friends to pray. We’re all in this together. THANK YOU! The more life and heartbreak I experience, the more I realize that this is not the end of the story. Life is temporary. And short. But eternity...is FOREVER. Because we know that our eternity is secure in Christ, we can trust God with every breath upon this earth.

A post shared by Jill Kelly (@jillmkelly) on Mar 1, 2018 at 8:13am PST

 

Words feel inadequate. Truthfully, it’s hard to even comprehend that I’m writing this... My dad’s cancer is back. I don’t understand. But I have to choose to hold onto the only thing I am sure of... Jesus. Lord Jesus... I know my dad and I know our family...with Your strength, he will continue to persevere and fight like never before and we will fight right along with him...knowing that You have already won the war. Because of You we always have hope! Although we don’t know what tomorrow holds, today we choose to trust the One who holds tomorrow. Please Pray. #KellyTough

A post shared by Erin Kelly-Bean (@ekelly1212) on Mar 1, 2018 at 8:13am PST

Kelly's former teammate and longtime friend, Thurman Thomas, released a statement to Eyewitness News, saying, "Both Patti and I would like to say that we are devastated by the news and his setback but still remain hopeful. We know that he has the support of so many. We implore that you all stay vigilant in your prayer for Jim and the entire Kelly family."

Kelly, who is in his late 50s, had jaw and sinus cancer and underwent months of treatment and surgeries.  He was declared cancer-free in 2014.  He's been receiving regular screenings since then.