Many remember Bobby Jenks as the fearless closer who helped the Chicago White Sox capture a title. Now, the town’s hero is battling Stage 4 stomach cancer. His body is fragile, his voice faint—but his will to live is sharper than ever. From a hospital bed in Portugal, Jenks is rewriting what strength looks like.
Bobby Jenks May Be Weak, but His Will To Fight Cancer Remains Strong
Jenks is suffering from Stage 4 adenocarcinoma — a severe form of stomach cancer — he is undergoing intensive treatment while living in Portugal with his wife, Eleni, and their two young children. The family relocated there in late 2024 to be closer to Eleni’s relatives.
From the reports of Cancer Health, the doctors found a tumor in the middle of Jenks chest, which has already spread throughout his stomach lining into his bones. The cancer later blew up, and bleeding caused him digestive issues. From then, he underwent 10 intense sessions of radiation to stop further bleeding.
In a recent phone interview with Sam Blum of The Athletic, he gave further updates on his health status, “I guarantee you, everybody thinks about death on a daily basis.”
Even though his voice was weakened, he believed that he would beat cancer someday.
“I’ve come to the realization that it could be six months, or it could be three years,” he said, speaking of his mortality. “But I’m ready. And however long it takes, I’m going to be here fighting it.” He later added.
Besides his health, he also suffered the terrible loss of his Pacific Palisades home in a California wildfire in January 2025. The fire destroyed his memorabilia, including his first game ball and save. So, renting a home to raise money is not possible.
Surprisingly, he didn’t have any health insurance. Therefore, the family had to turn to GoFundMe, with a campaign organized by Krystal Dreifort, the wife of former MLB pitcher Darren Dreifort. The campaign has now raised $6,105 through 41 donations.
The White Sox have supported Jenks by launching special initiatives named ‘Grinder Ball Rule #45’. Fans can directly purchase it, and the amount goes to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana.
“We stand with you, Bobby Jenks. Thinking of Bobby as he is being treated for Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer.” the White Sox posted on Instagram.
In an event organized by PastPros, a U.S.-based company, fans had the opportunity to send items such as baseball cards and jerseys to be signed. All proceeds went directly to support Jenks and his family.
As per the company, Jenks will receive 100% of the money, which starts from $60. However, the signing event concluded on March 25, 2025.
In his 20s and 30s, Jenks’ lifestyle was filled with substance abuse and poor dietary habits. He openly admitted to consuming 60 painkillers daily and sometimes mixing them with other medications like Ambien, causing him blackouts and multiple arrests.
“You know, the s*** I was doing in my 20s and early 30s, no normal person would have survived. So, in one way, I’m grateful to be alive. In another way, I’m not surprised this happened. It goes to show you have to take care of yourself from top to bottom with nutrition and exercise and having a good daily plan.” He said from his hospital bed in Portugal to MLB.com.
His regimen includes weekly doctor visits, immunotherapy sessions, and chemotherapy administered through a device attached to his chest. Additionally, he has undergone radiation therapy to manage tumor growth.
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Despite the exhausting nature of these treatments, Jenks strives to conserve energy for his family, particularly his two younger children, 11-year-old Zeno and 5-year-old Kate, who reside with him and his wife, Eleni.