Revolution Defender Kevin Alston Takes Leave Of Absence To Battle Leukemia
BOSTON (CBS) - New England Revolution defender Kevin Alston has been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a rare but treatable form of leukemia, and has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team to undergo treatment.
Alston's medical treatment is not expected to require hospitalization and he expects to return to the team in the future, however, he and his family have requested privacy while he undergoes treatment.
"The Revolution fully supports Kevin as he begins treatment," Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said in a release. "Right now, the most important thing for Kevin, and his family, is to concentrate on returning to full health. Kevin's had a tremendous attitude since the diagnosis and his positivity is an inspiration for all of us."
Fans wishing to send Alston get-well messages and thoughts can email GetWellKevinAlston@gmail.com
The 24-year-old Alston has started all four of the Revs' games this season at left back. In his career, he has started all 116 games he's played in since New England drafted him 10th overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of Indiana University.
Alston currently ranks ninth on the Revs' career charts in games played, and eighth in games started.
