“Crash Course” creator Hank Green took to TikTok and Twitter to tell his loyal viewership something more personal today. Green confirmed he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer that attacks the lymphnodes. He famously started “Crash Course” with his brother, acclaimed author John Green (“The Fault In Our Stars” “Looking For Alaska” and more) to tackle educational topics in an accessible manner for the masses.
John shared words of support on his Twitter account in wake of the diagnosis today.
Some important news from Hank. My little brother is my closest collaborator, oldest friend, and my absolute hero. Thank you for loving him as I do, and supporting us–and each other–in a tough time.https://t.co/tWsRFbR6wa
— John Green (@sportswithjohn) May 19, 2023
Green also co-founded VidCon and contributed writing to MentalFloss, all after countless other creative endeavors in his native Florida. In 2016, he additionally founded the ICG, which served as the first labor guild for internet creators. The guild shut down in 2019.
Green has long advocated for several social justice causes, and notably educates his massive following on the current state of the environment. Alongside his brother John Green, the pair have frequently spoken up about national elections too, and criticized right-wing media for spreading misinformation, notably Tucker Carlson.
The science fanatic turned educator did what he does best to explain his diagnosis–turning to the facts. Green explained that his cancer has a highly successful treatment rate, and that he will begin undergoing chemotherapy for the next four months.
@hankgreen1 Thanks yall. Still doesnt really feel real but here we are!!
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He encouraged viewers to speak up and seek medical care if they feel the same symptoms that he did. He told viewers that he “feels better when he’s making videos” but apologized for what could become less frequent content on his varied social channels. The science creator will continue to pen his newsletter.
Social Media Reactions
Green’s video was met with an outpouring of support in the comments of his TikTok video, and via Twitter, where he asked readers to share their favorite photo of a pelican to cheer him up.
sending love king pic.twitter.com/B9nOVcox0l
— matt (@mattxiv) May 19, 2023
VidCon shared a message on the co-founder’s absence from the upcoming conference.
We love you, @hankgreen ❤️
Due to his recent diagnosis, Hank will no longer be able to attend VidCon Anaheim 2023 next month. To our Co-Founder, go-to science guy, and only person on the internet who seems to understand where all the candle wax goes: we're sending all the love… pic.twitter.com/MVNyaZJhIS
— VidCon (@VidCon) May 19, 2023
Despite Green’s optimism surrounding his survival rate, fans of the longtime video creator expressed shock and sadness at the news.
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hank green has cancer, why is it always the best people in the world pic.twitter.com/UEcQS7totn
— air⁷ ???? (@luvpunz) May 19, 2023
Green underwent his first round of chemotherapy today, according to his Twitter account @hankgreen.
