John Tesh is a testament to the idea that a single phone call can change the trajectory of your life. His defining moment came in 1989 while commentating the Tour de France, when he called home to sing into his voicemail what would later become the iconic NBA theme song “Roundball Rock.” Tesh’s career has spanned several genres, making him a household name as a radio host, WCBS anchor, entertainer on “Entertainment Tonight,” and composer.
However, it was his wife, actress Connie Sellecca, who made a crucial call to MD Anderson in 2017 that enabled Tesh to confront a devastating prostate cancer diagnosis. “MD Anderson helped save my life,” he expresses.
In 2015, while balancing a music tour and his radio hosting duties, John was overdue for a routine physical. Having just welcomed another grandchild and assisting Connie’s mother during a health crisis, he delayed his health check-up. At 63, knowing his father had lost his battle with lung cancer at the same age, John felt the weight of the situation. Though his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were not alarmingly high, further examinations revealed alarming news: John had stage III prostate cancer, with his urologist suggesting he may only have 18 months left to live.
Refusing to accept this prognosis, John dove into research, reaching out to various clinicians until he found one who could perform surgery. In August 2015, he underwent a successful radical prostatectomy, only to face additional challenges during recovery, including a severe intestinal blockage.
By 2017, John initially believed he had overcome cancer, but an MRI scan disclosed that the disease had spread to the lymph nodes in his pelvis. This caused John and Connie to seek expertise at MD Anderson, where Dr. Christopher Logothetis recommended robotic surgery to remove the cancerous lymph nodes. This procedure confirmed that the cancer had spread further, leading to four rounds of chemotherapy and subsequent hormone therapy, each bringing its own set of physical challenges.
Throughout the arduous battle, John and Connie maintained their resilience by leaning into their faith and sharing their journey through a daily radio program and John’s autobiography. They frequently acknowledged the essential role that the MD Anderson team played in his fight against cancer.
Ten years after his initial grave diagnosis, John is thriving. Recently, he released his first original album in over two decades, featuring a reworked version of “Roundball Rock,” which made a comeback with NBC’s NBA coverage. John continues to engage with fans, sharing health advice and insights from his life experiences.
His story serves not only as a personal triumph but also as an inspiring message of hope and gratitude for exceptional care. If you or someone you know is facing a similar battle, MD Anderson offers appointments for consultations and personalized care.