On the first day of October, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness month, ESPN Sports Center reporter Shelley Smith announced she has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
The sports reporter took to Twitter to reveal the devastating news of her own diagnosis, writing, "I now join the one-in-eight women who are battling breast cancer. Early detection will save my life. Tell loved ones."
Smith, who has worked at ESPN since 1997 wrote that she begins treatment in January and urged her followers to get tested.
"My tough cancer treatment will begin in January. Until then, I spread the praise of mammograms and ultrasound. Early detection," she wrote. "I am strong and positive as I fight this, just like so many of my breast cancer warrior sisters. We're Gonna Win!"
Smith recently interviewed "Good Morning America's" host Robin Roberts about over coming her battle with breast cancer.
"Fight. Fight, fight fight. Don't worry about anything else...You have permission to be selfish," Roberts said. "The message here [is] know your body. Don't be afraid! It's better to know that not to know. When fear knocks, let faith answer the door," Roberts said. "Reason will only take you so far, faith is boundless and endless."
For those wondering why Jan...I am in treatment now. Taking anti-estrogen (minimal side effects) to hopefully shrink the tumors.
— Shelley Smith (@ShelleyESPN) October 2, 2014
January will bring surgery, chemo and radiation. A long haul. But as I said, I'm strong and positive. And you have truly inspired me. — Shelley Smith (@ShelleyESPN) October 2, 2014
I am truly moved by the tweets, facebooks, texts, phone calls emails that continue to pour in. Thankyou to everyone!
— Shelley Smith (@ShelleyESPN) October 2, 2014
Thank you Ducks!!!! Means so much!! pic.twitter.com/650rcCYq5S — Shelley Smith (@ShelleyESPN) October 3, 2014
