Moonshiners stars Mark Ramsey and Eric ‘Digger’ Manes are recognized as “legends” by fans of the show. In 2011, Popcorn, Tickle, and Tim rose to fame as the original cast members, and Mark and Digger came along a little later. They’ve both been appearing on the series for decades, quickly becoming fan favorites. Digger is currently battling an illness and explains in an episode this January he wants to leave a legacy behind and “go big before he goes home”.

Digger shared the news of his illness with his best friend, business partner, and Moonshiners co-star Mark during an episode in early January which prompted many Discovery Channel fans to send prayers his way. Some commented on a Facebook post of Digger’s to say they were “heartbroken,” while others said: “…keep strong and keep fighting.”

Digger from Moonshiners’ illness

During Moonshiners’ January 2 episode, Digger explained to Mark he is currently dealing with an illness.

The Discovery star shared his diagnosis of Leukemia on the show which had many fans’ “hearts hurting.”

Many took to X (Twitter) to say “prayers up for Digger,” while more said they were “sad” a “sweet man,” like him is battling a disease.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood, which “…happens when there are changes in the genetic material (DNA) in bone marrow cells. The cause of these genetic changes is unknown,” writes Medline Plus.

Digger’s illness isn’t terminal

When Digger revealed his blood cancer diagnosis, many Moonshiners viewers took to social media with fears over him “dying.”

However, he took to Facebook on January 3 to explain his condition “is not terminal.”

Digger, who joined the show 10 years ago in season 4, said: “After more extensive tests my definite diagnosis is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia a condition that is not terminal(ain’t no fun though) probably will just make me miserable until something else kills me!”

Moonshiners star ‘wants to leave a mark’

Despite Digger sharing his CLL cancer diagnosis on Moonshiners, the reality TV star is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to his business aspirations.

Speaking to his co-star, Mark, Digger said his illness was a “wake-up call,” and he’s “not immortal.”

Digger added he wants to “leave a mark that can’t be erased” in the liquor world.

Mark says: “You have been thinking about a legacy, haven’t you?”

And Digger responds he “wants to go big before he goes home.”

The Discovery star adds he “has a kid in college,” he wants to provide for “first and foremost.”

In the US, contact Cancer Care at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or visit this link, [email protected]. You can also call the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-234 or visit their website (Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area)

In the UK you can call Breast Cancer Now free on 0808 800 6000 or visit Cancer Research UK (Breast cancer resources and support organisations), or Macmillan Cancer Support (Breast cancer).