Congressional candidate von Wilpert reveals surgery for early-stage breast cancer with "excellent cure rate"
Source: East County Magazine
Marni von Wilpert, San Diego City Councilmember and Democratic nominee for Congress in the 48th district, underwent successful surgery last week for early-stage breast cancer detected after a routine mammogram in late spring.
Her treatment has been overseen by Dr. Noran M. Barry, MD, surgical oncologist at Sharp Healthcare. Dr. Barry said: “Councilmember von Wilpert’s surgery was very successful and her prognosis is excellent. This is a slow-growing, highly treatable type with an expected cure rate of 99% based on her diagnosis, the positive surgical outcome and her overall good health. I expect a full and rapid recovery and no significant effect on her daily activities.”
...According to her campaign, von Wilpert, has continued to campaign for Congress full-time and serve her City Council constituents throughout her diagnosis and treatment. Along with a video update on social media, she stated, “I’m sharing this because I want women to know that routine screenings save lives. My doctors caught this early, my prognosis is excellent, I feel great and I’m not missing a beat from the campaign trail. I nearly put off my annual mammogram this year, but I’m so grateful I didn’t because early detection saves lives.”
She adds, “I feel so fortunate because I have quality healthcare and can afford my co-pays, but millions of American women and families don’t have that same security – and that must change. This has only made me more determined to fight for a country where affordable healthcare, women’s health and medical research are protected and expanded, not cut or taken away. No one should have to worry whether they can afford life-saving healthcare.”
Read more: https://eastcountymagazine.org/congressional-candidate-von-wilpert-reveals-surgery-for-early-stage-breast-cancer-with-excellent-cure-rate/
This race is nationally targeted as one that Democrats hope to flip in their effort to retake a majority in the House. It's an open seat due to retirement of Darrell Issa. California's redistricting has given Democrats a slight majority over Republicans.
Von Wilpert's health adds a new layer of drama to the race, as she highlights the need to fight for quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans and for protecting women's healthcare, after her own diagnosis and successful surgery enabled her access to life-saving care.
I've personally interviewed Marni during the primary, and wish her a full recovery. I'm glad she's speaking out, along with her doctor, on the need for early testing and diagnosis for breast cancer, which has taken the lives of friends.