Some sad news going around Hollywood today as Valerie Harper, who played Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” is now battling terminal brain cancer. The news was revealed by People on March 6. Her complete story will be in the upcoming issue of the magazine going on sale on Friday.
The 73-year-old actress got diagnosed on Jan. 15 with a rare form of brain cancer called leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. This type of cancer occurs when cancerous cells are spread into the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the brain. The doctors have told her that she only has about three months to live. However, it sounds like she is still fighting this disease with deciding to go through with chemotherapy.
Harper was also diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2009 but she had beaten that diagnosis only to have to fight this one. The funny lady is said to be confronting this challenge with courage and as much humor as she can muster. She was quoted in People as saying, “I don't think of dying. I think of being here now.”
As stunned as she was by the initial diagnosis, Harper said that her thoughts turned to trying to draw attention to cancer research and to take the opportunity to help other people that may be going through the same thing. That certainly sounds like the fighting spirit of this television icon.
Best wishes and love go out to Valerie Harper as she goes through this tough time. She is sure to get loads of love from everyone around her.
Comments