Boston Red Sox

Francona to be at Farrell's side for first chemotherapy treatment

Published Aug. 17, 2015 7:33 p.m. ET

Kevin Berger

Indians manager Terry Francona and Red Sox manager John Farrell have been friends since playing together with the Cleveland Indians in 1988. So when John Farrell announced he was diagnosed with Stage 1 Lymphoma and would be undergoing chemotherapy on Tuesday Francona wanted to be there for his friend.

Well, thanks to the schedule makers Francona will be able to accompany Farrell as he undergoes his first chemotherapy treatment as the Indians are visiting Boston for a three game series this week.

"We were just talking," Francona said of his offer to accompany Farrell. "I was just asking questions, the normal questions. He mentioned he was starting Tuesday. I said, 'I'm right there. I'll go with you, whatever.' I may not do anything other than get in the way like normal, but being a friend, the only thing I know how to do is be a friend.

"Like the rest of us, we don't know exactly what to do, but I do know how to be a friend. I care about him a lot. That's what I'm trying to do."

Tito Francona in town to go with John Farrell for his first treatment tomorrow. Coincidence or divine intervention @TheJimmyFund
— Leigh Peltier (@Phat50chick) August 17, 2015

John Farrell said Terry Francona will accompany him to 1st chemotherapy session Tue. What a great show of friendship and support. #RedSox
— Tom Caron (@TomCaron) August 16, 2015

That's true friendship, folks.