Retired tennis icon Pete Sampras has revealed his actress wife Bridgette Wilson is battling ovarian cancer.
In a statement shared by the ATP tour, Sampras, 52, said, ”It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this”.
The former world No. 1 said his wife’s battle with the disease is “too hard to talk about” but said the Billy Madison star, 50, was doing well after undergoing chemotherapy.
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”As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person. However, this past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family and I have decided to share what’s been going on,” he said in the statement.
”Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
“Since then, she has had major surgery, pushed through chemotherapy and continues with targeted maintenance therapy.
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”It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this. However, seeing our boys step up and be such strong supporters of Bridgette, myself and each other has been amazing.”
He added that despite her cancer battle, his wife has been “an incredible mum and wife through it all”.
“I have also learned that it is very hard to reach for support when something is simply too hard to talk about,” he said.
”With that said, I will end this by humbly asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to thrive on her healing journey. Thank you.”
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The couple, who have been married since 2000, have two children together, sons Christian, 20, and Ryan, 18.
According to the Cancer Council, the average age of diagnosis in Australia is 64.
Symptoms include bloating, back and abdominal pain, tiredness and pain during sex.
Wilson is best known for her roles in Billy Madison, The Wedding Planner and Mortal Kombat.
She has shied away from the spotlight in recent years.