An Iowa news anchor broke down when she emotionally revealed her breast cancer diagnosis live on air.
Just months after Calyn Thompson, 28, reported on a segment about the importance of mammograms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the WHO13 News anchor revealed her diagnosis.
Announcing her health battle to viewers on Wednesday (May 3) while hosting the programme, Calyn said: "Six months ago, I did an interview during breast cancer awareness month reminding you to stay up to date on your mammograms.
"Little did I know that interview would foreshadow the beginning of my own journey."
Speaking about how her job revolves around sharing the stories of other people, she added that they rarely share personal stories, but she wanted to.
"This past November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer," she said emotionally while on air.
"My medical team is confident it is treatable and curable, and I am completely confident in my medical team. I have completed six chemotherapy treatments, and it feels so good to have that hurdle behind me."
Calyn added that "it was a shock" when she found out and touched on the weeks it took her to process is.
She then said: "Maybe using my platform here at WHO 13 News to share my story is ‘my why.’ If I can help even one person, it will be worth it."
Highlighting how she received the diagnosis two weeks after she turned 28, she urged that cancer doesn’t discriminate, adding: "Not with age or profession, it can happen to anyone".
She told viewers to go to their preventative screenings and get issues checked out if something is bothering them, adding "Early detection does save lives".
Calyn went on to speak about how she didn't feel like getting up some mornings, but it was the viewers that helped her to find strength, with work providing her with normality and purpose.
The news anchor also revealed that she would be undergoing surgery later this month, which in turn would lead to time off work, but she added: "I will be back and better than ever!"
Midway through discussing her upcoming surgery, she paused and apologised when she said: "Sorry, I didn't think I would get emotional."
Taking to Twitter about her moving monologue and announcement after it aired, Calyn penned: "Thank you for the overwhelming support," complete with a heart emoji.
Fans and friends were quick to flock to the comments under her tweet to show their support, with one person writing: "Sending you so much love! I can't imagine how hard it's been to get up early and do your job while feeling so sick. You are so strong! You got this girl!"
"You had me crying right along with you this morning. I will be praying for you. You are all like family to your viewers because you are in our homes every day. I know you will fight and win this battle. God bless," added a second.
While a third wrote: "You are so strong and brave to share your story — and to show up to work smiling every day. Wishing you a speedy recovery."
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