A Colorado mayor shared a deeply personal health update during a city council meeting on Tuesday.
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Lauren Simpson, the Democratic mayor of Arvada, Colorado, revealed that she has breast cancer.
Colorado Mayor Cancer Diagnosis Revealed During City Meeting
Simpson, 42, reassured residents that she remains optimistic about her recovery, telling those in attendance that she is "going to be fine" and plans to fight the disease head-on.
She explained that doctors detected the cancer early and that it has not progressed beyond stage one.
"I have one final item on the public agenda that I need to share with you all," Simpson said, via The New York Post. "I wish I wasn't, but I need to share with everybody now that over the holidays I was diagnosed with breast cancer."
Simpson also announced that she will undergo surgery on Monday and will temporarily step back from her mayoral duties during recovery.
During that time, Mayor Pro Tem Randy Moorman will assume her responsibilities.
Simpson reflected on the challenge ahead.
"In politics, we always say pick your battles, but sometimes the battles pick you," she added. "I don't know cancer knew who it was picking when it picked me, but best believe I'm going to kick its butt and I'm going to be back here with you all soon."
Mayor Pledges to Return After Recovery
Despite the diagnosis, Simpson said she has "full confidence" that the city's work will continue smoothly during her temporary absence.
She expressed determination to recover quickly and return to City Hall.
Before becoming mayor, Simpson served as a city councilmember and said she has already received "universal support" from those close to her since sharing the news.
She also said she decided to make her diagnosis public in hopes of encouraging women her age to stay vigilant about their health and not skip screenings, particularly as cancer diagnoses among younger people have been increasing.
Simpson ended her address with a message of optimism.
She told the council that she plans to return soon, adding she will "see everybody in April."
