American Idol Contestant Diagnosed with Cancer

Former season 7 American Idol contestant, Luke Menard, has recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Menard, 29, auditioned for Idol, made it to Hollywood, and went on to become a semi-finalist in the show's famed Top 24. He was eliminated on March 6, 2008 and two months later was diagnosed with lymphoma.

Menard first sought medical attention for a persistent cough, which was initially thought to be walking pneumonia. It was only when further tests were done that the stage II Hodgkin‘s lymphoma was diagnosed.

The winner of season 7 American Idol, David Cook, who has a brother suffering from brain cancer, recently visited Menard in the hospital where he is currently seeking treatment. The two became friends while they were auditioning in Hollywood and have remained in contact since. Menard’s form of cancer is treatable and he and his wife of four years are optimistic about his prognosis.

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