A Chatham-Kent Councillor has announced she's battling cancer.
Melissa Harrigan revealed on Thursday that she has breast cancer and will be temporarily stepping aside from her Council duties to begin chemotherapy next week in London and to recover. Harrigan said she has Invasive Ductal Carcinoma following a diagnosis last week.
“I have breast cancer. It’s difficult to say but sharing it makes me feel less alone and true to the way I have conducted my personal and professional life, with transparency and advocacy,” Harrigan said. “I found a lump on my breast two years ago and have been monitoring it. Recently a very close friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and I felt an internal call to action to advocate for further testing for my own condition to establish a base line. I am glad I did."
Harrigan hopes that her story will help other women take important steps to screen for breast cancer, noting that 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
She said breast cancer is curable and hopes to be back on Council stronger than before.
"I never thought my name would make it in the count. The news was shocking and unexpected but now it’s time to shift gears to a treatment plan. It is very early days in this journey. I appreciate the understanding and patience of my community,” she said. “It’s a personal choice to make this public, but sharing my experience makes cancer feel purposeful to me and it is my hope to continue sharing with you as I journey to raise awareness on the importance of early detection.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the news is shocking.
“We are all jarred by this unexpected news regarding Councillor Harrigan’s breast cancer diagnosis and will be with her every step of the way. Councillor Harrigan has been a strong advocate for many important causes. It’s our turn to support her,” he said.
Mayor Canniff also said in January Council will determine how to temporarily fill Councillor Harrigan’s roles on council and committees.
Harrigan is a second term Councillor. She is married to Kris and they have three young children.