Lance Leipold offers health update on his wife after breast cancer diagnosis

Kansas coach Lance Leipold revealed recently that his wife Kelly Leipold was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has since launched a campaign to help others get screened.

The Leipolds first opened up on the news about two weeks ago. In the time since, Kelly has undergone an operation.

“She had surgery last week and is recovering now,” Lance Leipold said. “But appreciate your thoughts. She’s tough. You know, it’s kind of sad that you’ve got to schedule family surgeries around open weeks and stuff like that.”

Inconveniences of the timing aside, Leipold appeared to be in good spirits about his wife’s health overall. He was grateful to be asked about it, which afforded him a further platform to speak about his wife.

“Appreciate that you ask,” Lance Leipold said. “I think, you know, she’s doing fine. It’s been a long fall. It has been. And appreciate everyone that’s reached out, people that have helped contribute to what she thought was really important.”

According to KUSports.com, the Leipolds have made a $50,000 matching funds donation to the Masonic Cancer Alliance. It is part of a crowdfunding campaign to help more women gain access to the type of screening that uncovered Kelly Leipold’s cancer.

“This has been something that she’s wanted to do, and going from there,” Lance Leipold said. “And we appreciate everyone that has reached out, and thoughts and prayers. And we have great faith in the Lord, and we have great faith in the people at KU Med for the services and treatments that are coming.”

As he wrapped up the question at his press conference this week, Leipold expressed his gratitude. The Kansas coach has plenty of it.

“I’m truly blessed,” Lance Leipold said. “Thoughts and prayers are appreciated, and she’ll battle.”

Leipold and Kansas are set to head on the road to Iowa State this week. The game will kick off at 12 p.m. ET on FS1.