Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov acknowledges Leafs, Ufa, fans for their support during interview
Leafs' prospect Rodion Amirov is hoping to be back in game action in November with his KHL team, Salavat Yulaev. He continues to battle his cancer while also training every day. With just two rounds of treatment left, Amirov is hopeful to get back on track fairly imminently.
Recently, Amirov sat down with Sport Express, where he discussed an abundance of things including how he found out about his brain tumor and being recognized at the airport in Toronto. When asked if he felt a special atmosphere in Toronto he said, "Yes. Even when I flew out of Toronto, I was recognized at the airport, although I am still nobody there."
Regarding his tumor, he and team doctors thought I was a concussion given the symptoms and the fact he had just taken a big hit in a game. He and his doctors are still unsure if there is a correlation between the tumor and hit, but it is possible.
Amirov also discussed how helpful the Leafs have been in helping him with his treatment and training including help covering the cost of his medication, something which Amirov is very grateful for, along with the players sending him and video and all of the support from Leaf fans.
Speaking of the support, he said, "There was support from everywhere. I was going to church, seeing my friends and relatives, everyone helped me. I couldn't give up. I got support. When I didn't want to train my parents forced me to and I'm very grateful for it and the doctor also recommended to train and not to stop."
He also spoke about how his cancer journey has been more psychologically challenging than physically. While he is back home and training with his team in Ufa, he is still taking treatments five days a week, usually at night. Some oral chemotherapy has given him bouts of dizziness but nothing major, which is an excellent sign.
The Leafs and Salavat agreed to extend his loan for the upcoming season to allow him to continue treatment close to home. Hoping to return to action sooner rather than later he said, "I believe, God willing, November".
For more info, here's a full write up from SI's David Alter: si.com/nhl/maple-leafs
