I'm battling a serious illness and that is more important to me right now.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
His daughter confirmed that he had been battling an undisclosed illness.
The Sun (2015)
Both of them battled serious illnesses during their childhood.
The Sun (2013)
Definition of 'illness'
illness
(ɪlnəs)Explore 'illness' in the dictionary
uncountable noun
Illness is the fact or experience of being ill.
Definition of 'battle'
battle
(bætəl)Explore 'battle' in the dictionary
verb
To battle means to try hard to do something in spite of very difficult circumstances. In British English, you battleagainst something or with something. In American English, you battle something.