After today’s announcement that Garth Lagerwey will be taking a leave of absence to undergo cancer treatment, our readers took it on themselves to share their best wishes for Lagerwey as he starts his fight. You can view those messages below.
Garth, I was extremely saddened to hear of your diagnosis today. My family and I wish you the best for a full recovery, and also wish the best to your family during this difficult time period. -Nick
Thinking of you, Garth — sending tons of good vibes your way. We are all behind you. - D. Tapp
Can't wait to see you ring the bell!
The 17s are behind you, let’s beat this!
You're going tackle this the way you do everything else! With a good plan and victory at the end. Best wishes!
Hey Garth, take care of yourself & get well soon - can't wait to see you in the Benz when you're ready. -Ed
Wishing you all the best, and a speedy recovery Garth. The 17s are with you.
Sports are about so much more than what happens between the whistles. They’re about spirit, perseverance and, most importantly, community. Garth, your ATLUTD community stands behind you and your family. We know you have the spirit and perseverance to take this next challenge head on. Through the highs and lows, and with all to play for, we’ll be here with raised voices cheering you on and in full support until you ring that bell. Sending best wishes and prayers for a full and speedy recovery! ❤️
Wishing you a strong, speedy recovery, Garth. Your loyal 17s stand united with you and yours during this challenging time -
Godspeed, sir — unite and conquer
Kick its ass, Garth. Get well soon.
Garth,
Your Atlanta United family are behind you and sending you all the good thoughts your way in this fight. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family during this. -Joel
Get well soon! Looking forward to having you back at the Benz!
Garth, Atlanta is behind you. Wishing you a speedy recovery! We will be thinking of you and you family!
We’re behind you all the way Garth, and thinking of you and your family. Get well soon! 5 Stripes Don’t Stop!
Garth, here’s to you ringing that bell soon. This 17 will be praying for you as you fight this fight.
I know the recovery for cancer isn't easy and to some degree it's "forever". Wishing you and your family all the goodwill, now and for the future.
Get well soon, Garth!
Nothing but prayers and support from the World Famous Five Stripe Final Discord. Looking forward to seeing you back at the Benz!!
As one who has had their own run of "not great health news" in recent years, I'm sorry to hear that you are joining our stupid stupid club. We are all very good at putting on the brave face and wry smile. You have probably already experienced the private moments where the facade crumbles and the weight of all the what-ifs just becomes way too much. Remember to breath. Focus on what you do have, and what you can do. One step, one moment at a time. You have millions (I think? right? counting all the fanbases) of people sending you their love and strength. That ain't nuthin, man. We look forward to seeing you ring that bell. (I know you say you like to move slow, but this is one, where you can just go ahead and get better quickly.) Much love to you
Praying for you and your family. Look forward to seeing you back in charge soon.
We’re rooting for you and know you strong enough to beat this SOB. You’ve got a whole city behind you and praying for your full recovery.
Garth, just know that we are praying for you and behind you 100% . You got this and the whole family here is there for your family anytime y’all need anything! With all the prayers and love - John
You have been a bright spot in a very dark time for this club. You brought us clarity and vision and gave us a clear-eyed and pragmatic goal and how we are going to get there. That was new to our fanbase.
The immensity, difficulty, and complexity of the task you were handed cannot be understated and your relentless passion to turn a bad situation into something inspiring is palpable. I am personally thankful for and inspired by that. And while you redirect those same principles, ethics, and tenacity to kicking cancer’s ass, we will be cheering you on as you continue to do what you seem to be made to do: transform a bad situation into an inspiring success. I am sincerely thankful for you and what you bring to this city.
-Bob F
Here's to a swift recovery Garth.
Fight this shit! We’re all behind you! Prayers and well wishes from the 17s
Hey Garth. I may be a random, unknown fan, but my thoughts are with you and your family. We look forward to seeing you back, stronger and healthier than ever.
Five Stripes Don't Stop. You got this Garth!!! All of the Atlanta United family and fanbase has your back and we'll be cheering for you.
Cancer is the worst. Get well soon Garth!
Garth,
Very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Our family is also going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment. We know how hard it is, especially in the beginning when the news is fresh. I hope you will find, as we have, a community of support and encouragement. If so, you’ll have a community willing to step up for whatever you need and sometimes (if not often) they know what you need before you even know to ask. Keep your head up and stay positive. You will win this battle and we will all celebrate when it is over!
David
Garth-- The Atlanta United fans send you love and strength as you go through your cancer treatment and recovery. We know that the toughness you've developed as a player and an executive will serve you well in this journey. We're grateful for you and want you back in the Atl Utd orbit in the near future. You shall return!
Nice. Well done all