Countless messages of support are pouring in for Atlanta news anchor Jovita Moore following her brain cancer diagnosis.
Moore, who has worked for the city’s leading news station WSB-TV since 1998, announced in April she would be taking a leave of absence from the ABC affiliate after doctors discovered she had two tumors on her brain. The nine-time Emmy winner said she knew something was off when she began to experience a headache, forgetfulness, disorientation and an overall sense of not feeling like herself.
At the time, the course of action was for Moore to undergo surgery to remove the tumors; she would then spend eight to 10 weeks recovering. But what came at the end of three months off air was the diagnosis of gioblastoma, an aggressive incurable brain cancer.
While the update of her health was a shock to fans and long-time viewers, Moore shared a sense of reassurance in a special message that aired during an evening newscast.
“I just want to say a quick thank you. Thank you for your cards, thank you for all the gifts, and most importantly, thank you for your prayers and positive energy. I feel all of it,” said Moore in an audio message to fans following the announcement of her diagnosis on July 29.
“I’m home now, I’m up and about and doing everything my doctors tell me to do. So for now, I need to be here to focus on my health. I’m surrounded by my family, a very small circle of friends, but also your extended love and support. This journey for me started with an unusual headache so if something’s not right with you, I urge you to please get yourself checked,” she continued.
“Our girl is strong. Our girl is a fighter and she’s doing great every day,” said WSB-TV Community and Public Affairs Director Condace Pressley.
Moore’s surgeon, Dr. Edjah Nduom, explained that another surgery would not be an option for eradicating the cancer, but other treatments could help contain the growth.
“The reason for that is gliomas and glioblastoma in particular have these tentacles that go beyond the lesion we can see on a scan and beyond what we can even see with our operating microscopes,” he explained during an evening newscast.
The next steps in treatment for the incurable disease are radiation and chemotherapy to help slow the growth of the cancer. WSB-TV has set up a page dedicated to keeping fans updated on Moore’s journey; there, messages of support can be left, as well as information for charities to which Moore would like people to donate. For more information, click here. WSB-TV also is receiving cards mailed to the station on behalf of Moore.
