MLB’s Kody Funderburk’s Wife Diagnosed With Cancer While Pregnant

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Kody Funderburk and Alicia Funderburk’s parenthood journey didn’t start off how they planned. 

The Minnesota Twins, who drafted the baseball pitcher in 2018, recently shared some happy news: he and his wife welcomed their daughter, Murphy Jo. This comes after his wife, Alicia, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma while she was pregnant.

The team announced on X on April 25th that Fundy has returned after taking paternity leave, and shared they wanted to share more about him and his wife’s experience, along with a photo of the couple at a baseball field.

Alicia, Kody’s wife, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during her pregnancy, according to a recent post. Following chemotherapy, doctors are optimistic about her full recovery, and a photo of her in the hospital was shared with the announcement.

Amid Alicia’s health battle, the couple safely welcomed their newborn. 

The team announced the arrival of Baby Fundy, a healthy baby girl named Murphy Jo, on Monday, April 20th. Alicia and Murphy are both doing great!

We’re truly impressed by the Funderburks’ resilience and positive attitude, and we wish them all the best, continuing to support them both on and off the field.

Just a few days before their daughter was born, Alicia shared how surprised she was to learn about her medical condition.

In an Instagram post on April 15th, she shared a life update and some recent photos, revealing she’s been navigating both a pregnancy and a Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis – quite a few surprises lately!

Even though things haven’t gone as planned recently, Kody and I are incredibly thankful for all the love and support we’ve received. We’re constantly reminded of how fortunate we are.

I’m already completely smitten with Baby Fundy – they sound like such a little character! I’m so excited for the parents and absolutely can’t wait to meet the little one in just a few days!

Although the pregnancy wasn’t easy for the couple, Kody stressed that finding potential problems early on was crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby.

The baseball star told the St. Paul Pioneer Press on April 19th that they were able to address the issue quickly. He explained it became a matter of figuring out the necessary steps and then following a process, much like baseball. It’s about identifying what needs to be done next and then carrying it out, one step at a time.

For more stars who have spoken about their cancer journeys, read on…

The former All My Children star revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, marking his third time battling the disease.

I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard! After everything he’d been through, he announced – for the third time, can you believe it?! – in February 2025 that he was finally, wonderfully cancer-free! The surgery and treatments actually worked! I was just so relieved and happy for him, it was incredible.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficulties don’t define who they are – they are much bigger than any challenge. He shared that he doesn’t identify with his fears, anxiety, or past hurts, but accepts them as part of his journey, believing that acknowledging these things is the first step to healing and growth.

In December 2024, the star of The Golden Bachelor announced he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s currently no cure for his condition, and that realization was incredibly difficult. He described feeling completely overwhelmed, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She later announced she was cancer-free.

The star of Up All Night is now cancer-free after completing treatment, which included a double mastectomy. Doctors confirmed there is no evidence of the disease remaining.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now cancer-free after years of battling the disease.

In September 2018, the actress known for Desperate Housewives publicly shared that she was a survivor of anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that revealing her diagnosis and resulting hair loss made her feel incredibly liberated and authentically herself.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment. His representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, was treated for skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) for the third time in 2014. His representative later confirmed to TopMob News that he is now healthy.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinoma. He used the opportunity to remind everyone in the northern hemisphere that summer was approaching and to be sure to protect their skin with sunscreen.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The celebrity chef from Britain revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure, sharing photos of the stitches – a line running from below his ear to his jaw – which he later covered with a bandage.

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was thankful for the amazing team at The Skin Associates who quickly removed his Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

As a lifestyle advocate, I’m always inspired by stories of strength and resilience. I recently learned about Cobie Smulders, the wonderful actress you might recognize from The Avengers: Age of Ultron. She faced a really tough battle with ovarian cancer when she was just 25, but she didn’t let that define her. It’s amazing to me that after everything, she and her husband, Taran Killam, went on to welcome two beautiful children. It’s a powerful reminder that even after facing significant health challenges, joy and family are absolutely possible.

A television personality has shared that he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars recently had successful surgery to treat thyroid cancer. She shared on Twitter, thanking everyone for their support and letting fans know she’s home and recovering.

The actress shared some incredible news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she’s cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, “#wootothemotherfkinhoo!”

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that doctors had removed a cancerous mole from her calf. She said her husband had encouraged her to get the mark checked, which led to the discovery.

A man from Scotland is doing well after doctors successfully removed a cancerous mole from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist almost certainly protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The popular actress had to leave her role on Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer, but thankfully her treatment worked and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight how important regular checkups are and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in roughly 400 films since then.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

I’ve been a huge fan of this cyclist for years, and his story just blows me away. He overcame a really tough battle with cancer – stage four testicular cancer, no less – and then went on to win the Tour de France seven times in a row! It’s truly inspiring to see someone conquer something so challenging and then achieve such incredible success.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist became a passionate advocate for others.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, bravely used her experience with breast cancer as the basis for her hit one-woman show, God Said Ha!, which later played on Broadway.

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2026-04-26 22:18