Sofia Vergara, actress and judge on America's Got Talent, reflected upon her thyroid cancer diagnosis during Stand Up To Cancer's 2021 telecast. Since it was founded in 2008, Stand Up To Cancer has raised over $603 million for cancer research. Additionally, the charitable organization has brought together nearly 2000 scientists from over 200 institutions to try and discover a cure.
Sofia previously opened up about her diagnosis to Health Magazine in 2011, explaining why she kept her illness a secret. "I didn't want publicity because of that," Sofia said at the time. "Having cancer is not fun. You don't want to deal with anything else while you're going through it." Sofia continued to explain that she learned she had cancer when a doctor was checking her for type 1 diabetes and noticed a lump in her neck. Moving forward, Sofia didn't feel any symptoms and admitted she was skeptical about having her thyroid gland removed through the dangerous surgery because if the doctor makes a mistake, she could lose her speech or the mobility in her face, which would affect her career. Nonetheless, she went through with the operation and now takes a Synthroid pill every morning that controls her body's metabolism.
Now, the 49-year-old actress is revealing even more details about her reaction to learning she had cancer at just 28 years old at the Stand Up To Cancer Telecast. "They did a lot of tests and finally told me I had thyroid cancer. When you're young and you hear that word 'cancer,' your mind goes to so many places, but I tried not to panic and I decided to get educated," Sofia said. "I read every book and found out everything I could about it. I was fortunate to have caught it early and to have the support of my doctors and most importantly, my family. I learned a lot during that time, not just about thyroid cancer, but I also learned that in times of crisis, we're better together." Sofia then encouraged viewers to be a team in the same way scientists were in developing a COVID-19 vaccine under a time crunch.
With many delays on important screenings and treatments for cancer patients due to the global pandemic, Stand Up To Cancer returns to highlight the importance of finding a cure, while humans also protect themselves against COVID-19. "We believe fiercely in bringing innovative, high-quality cancer treatments to patients as quickly as possible." Katie Couric, the foundation's co-founder said in a statement. "The show provides a powerful platform to make this dream a reality." Sofia hosted the telecast that was executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and her husband, Jim Toth, alongside Anthony Anderson and Ken Jeong. Common, Brittany Howard, Stevie Wonder, and Simone Ledward Boseman, wife of the late Chadwick Boseman, also performed at the event.
It is quite incredible to see the breakthroughs scientists have discovered when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccines. In a matter of months, they were able to develop, test, and distribute medication to protect humans against the virus. Now, it's time to do the same thing for cancer so humans can begin to live longer and healthier lives outside of the hospital. It's a blessing for Sofia's family, friends and America's Got Talent fans that she's now living a healthy lifestyle and encouraging others to get tested and act fast.
Source: Stand Up To Cancer