Twins Reliever Kody Funderburk and Wife Alicia Welcome First Child After Cancer Diagnosis

Alicia Funderburk was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma during her pregnancy, but the couple remains positive as they prepare to meet their new baby.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:21pm

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Twins relief pitcher Kody Funderburk and his wife Alicia were excited to be expecting their first child last September. However, early in the pregnancy, Alicia received an abnormal test result that led to a Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis in January. Alicia began chemotherapy right before the Twins' annual fan festival, TwinsFest, but the treatment was paused as she neared her due date. Kody will be placed on the paternity list for the upcoming series against the Mets as Alicia is set to be induced on Monday. After the baby is born, Alicia will resume her cancer treatment.

Why it matters

The Funderburks' story highlights the challenges and resilience required when facing a serious health issue during pregnancy. Their openness about Alicia's cancer diagnosis has also generated an outpouring of support from Twins fans and the team's clubhouse, which has helped Kody maintain his focus on baseball despite the personal hardship.

The details

Alicia was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in January, shortly after the couple learned they were expecting. She immediately began chemotherapy, which was paused as she neared her due date. Kody has been able to stay focused on his baseball preparation this spring, even spending six weeks in Florida for spring training while Alicia underwent treatment back home in the Twin Cities. The Funderburks decided to wait until the birth to find out the sex of their baby.

  • Alicia was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in January 2026.
  • Alicia began chemotherapy right before TwinsFest in early 2026.
  • Alicia is set to be induced on Monday, April 21, 2026.
  • After the baby is born, Alicia will resume cancer treatment.

The players

Kody Funderburk

A relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who is preparing for the upcoming season while supporting his wife through her cancer treatment.

Alicia Funderburk

Kody's wife, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma early in her pregnancy and has been undergoing chemotherapy.

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, who has marveled at Kody's positive attitude and consistency despite the personal challenges he is facing.

Pete Maki

The pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins, who has supported Kody during this difficult time for his family.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, this sucks, but we do have a lot of positives to be thankful for, and I think that's really what you lean into when something like this is going on.”

— Kody Funderburk, Twins Reliever

“We caught it early enough. It was just more about 'OK, what do we need to do?' Kind of like how baseball is, you kind of get to your process 'OK, what's next?' 'OK, go execute that.' 'What's next?' 'OK, let's do that.' And every step of the way, our doctors and team were super supportive and compassionate. Never once did we ever feel like this was going to get out of hand or anything like that.”

— Kody Funderburk, Twins Reliever

“It's absolutely amazing what she's gone through. I think that's freakin' badass that she's strong enough and tough enough to go do it on her own and take care of the two dogs at the house and be by herself going through it. A lot of props to her.”

— Kody Funderburk, Twins Reliever

“The consistency that he has on a daily basis, I think, shows how grounded he is and how rooted he is. He's handled it unbelievably well.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

What’s next

After the baby is born on Monday, April 21, 2026, Alicia Funderburk will resume her cancer treatment.

The takeaway

The Funderburks' story demonstrates the resilience and positivity required when facing a serious health challenge during a joyous life event like pregnancy. Their openness has inspired support from the Twins community, allowing Kody to maintain his focus on baseball while supporting his wife through her cancer treatment.