'You are an inspiration': Internet sends prayers as Richard Simmons reveals skin cancer diagnosis

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Richard Simmons has disclosed his skin cancer diagnosis in a lengthy statement on Tuesday, March 19.

The iconic fitness personality revealed the news two days after he posted an alarming message about death but soon clarified that he is not "dying", according to the New York Post.

Richard Simmons opens up on the moment he first called his dermatologist

In a lengthy tweet, Simmons explained what led to his skin cancer diagnosis. 

“Mirror mirror on the wall what’s that blemish which is so small? There was this strange-looking bump under my right eye” the 75-year-old began the post.

"I had a tube of Neosporin which I would put on in the morning and the evening . . . it was still there. It was time to call my dermatologist," he continued.

"I sat in his chair and he looked at it through a magnifying mirror. He told me he would have to scrape it and put it under the microscope. Now I am getting a little bit nervous. He comes back about 20 minutes later and says the C-word," he added.

Attempting to lighten the mood by telling his fans about his initial reaction upon hearing the news of his basal cell carcinoma, Simmons said he jokingly reprimanding the doctor for using "dirty names."

“You have to go to a cancer doctor right away. But now that you are here I suggest you put some Botox in your forehead lines and your smile lines and let’s pump up those cheeks of yours. I patted him on his hand and said, ‘Not today doctor,'” he wrote.

Richard Simmons recalled crying when a doctor burned his skin

The fitness legend shared that he soon scheduled an appointment with Dr Ralph A Massey as soon as he returned home.

To remove the cancer cells, the doctor then proceeded to burn Simmons' skin and he did not receive a numbing agent.

"As he started burning my skin a tear dropped down my cheek. You can’t cry during this and he wiped my tear. The burning really hurt my skin," Simmons' recalled.

He later underwent a second round of the procedure which appeared to be "deeper" and "was worse than before."

Speaking about the third round of the procedure, Simmons said, "Well the third time was a charm. With a smile on his face, he said, 'We got all the cancer cells out.' I gave him a hug."

Concluding his post, Simmons urged his fans to get a check-up as he said, "I know some of you reading this have had cancer or have known someone in your life who has had cancer."

"Promise me you will see your doctor and get a complete check-up," he added.

Internet calls Richard Simmons a 'real inspiration'

After Simmons' revealed his skin cancer diagnosis, netizens rallied to send their wishes to the beloved fitness instructor.

"You are an inspiration," a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter) and another user wrote, "Richard, it’s fantastic that you got it checked out & followed up to take care of it. Continue to take care of yourself. I hope you heal soon."

"Glad you got in to see your dermatologist. I bet he enjoys your visits! You probably brings smiles and laughter to him and his staff. Big hug to you, Richard," a fan tweeted.

"Please continue to take excellent care of yourself, Richard. Thank you for letting us know. And keep your generous and kind outlook. It matters more than you might know. Peace," a netizen wrote.

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