Actor Jeff Bridges, 70, Donates His "Finest Guitar" to Help Others Even as He Fights His Own Lymphoma Battle

In a repost on his Instagram account, Bridges shared a picture where he’s sitting with one of his guitars, casually laidback in his denim. The original post shared that: “Jeff Bridges has donated the finest guitar from his signature collection to help support the Livingston Food Resource Center. Bidding opens November 27, 2020.”

 

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Jeff Bridges’ Lymphoma

While Bridges hasn’t disclosed his specific type of lymphoma, we do know that the disease generally falls into two categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Related: Lymphoma Takes Spotlight as "Big Lebowski" Legend Jeff Bridges, 70, Says He's Starting Treatment to Fight This Complex Cancer

Lymphoma is a blood cancer, and the distinction between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lies in the white blood cells linked to the disease. If doctors are unable to detect the Reed-Sternberg cell (a giant cell derived from B lymphocytes), then the lymphoma is diagnosed as non-Hodgkin. If Reed-Sternberg cells are present, it is diagnosed as Hodgkin.

Related: 7 Sneaky Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma: Doctor Told One Teen Her Itchy Rash Later Diagnosed at Stage 4 Was 'Nothing to Worry About'

Treatment for this disease varies depending upon the type of lymphoma, as well as its progression. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common between the two types, and Hodgkin lymphoma is considered to be more treatable.

Dr. Elise Chong explains why your type of lymphoma matters

Keeping a Postive Mindset

We love Jeff Bridges for myriad reasons, like his great turns in The Big Lebowski and Crazy Heart, and the actor is beloved by many for his laid-back, cool yet sunny disposition.

Related: SurvivorNetTV Presents The Frenchy: A Glorious Film About The Power Of Laughter

During cancer treatment, experts have said that having this kind of attitude a good, positive outlook can be beneficial when undergoing treatment. Dr. Zuri Murrell, a Colorectal Surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, told SurvivorNet in a previous interview, “My patients who thrive, even with stage four cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be okay.

Related: Michael J. Fox's Determination to Remain Positive During Decades-Long Parkinson's Journey Shows Cancer Patients the Importance of Optimism

Dr. Murrell says that a positive attitude isn’t necessarily an antidote to cancer, but it can help people in treatment to live longer, based on Dr. Murrell’s anecdotate evidence. He said, “Now doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow. But I’m pretty good at telling what kind of patient are going to still have this attitude and probably going to live the longest, even with bad, bad disease. And those are patients who, they have gratitude in life.”

Stay Positive, It Matters

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