Legendary actress Jane Fonda announced Friday that she’s been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The 84-year-old shared the news with fans in a lengthy Instagram post.
“So, my dear friends, I have something personal I want to share. I’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have started chemo treatments,” she said.
“This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky,” she continued.
The Oscar-winning actress also noted how privileged she is in the fight as she has health insurance and access to the best treatment, unlike many Americans.
“I’m also lucky because I have health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments. I realize, and it’s painful, that I am privileged in this. Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right.”
She said that already, the cancer is teaching her lessons.
“Cancer is a teacher and I’m paying attention to the lessons it holds for me. One thing it’s shown me already is the importance of community. Of growing and deepening one’s community so that we are not alone. And the cancer, along with my age –almost 85– definitely teaches the importance of adapting to new realities.”
“We’re living through the most consequential time in human history because what we do or don’t do right now will determine what kind of future there will be and I will not allow cancer to keep me from doing all I can, using every tool in my toolbox and that very much includes continuing to build this Fire Drill Fridays community and finding new ways to use our collective strength to make change,” she continued.
In closing, she reminded fans about the midterm elections and vowed that chemotherapy is not going to slow her political activism
“The midterms are looming, and they are beyond consequential so you can count on me to be right there together with you as we grow our army of climate champions.”
