Valisia LeKae Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Withdraws from MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 3:33pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Valisia-LeKae-Reveals-Ovarian-Cancer-Diagnosis-Withdraws-from-Broadways-MOTOWN-THE-MUSICAL-20131217

The producers of Motown the Musical have announced that Valisia LeKae, a 2013 Tony Award nominee for her performance as Diana Ross, has withdrawn from the Broadway production at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, for medical reasons. Ms. LeKae confirmed her departure in a statement on her personal Facebook page, announcing that she had recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

LeKae posted:

"On, Nov 22, 2013, I had laparoscopic surgery to remove an endometrioma from my right ovary. A sample was taken from that endometrioma and on December 2, 2013, my pathology results reveled that I was positive for Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma, Ovarian Cancer. After receiving a second opinion it was confirmed by my Gynecologic Oncologist on Dec 9, 2013, that the diagnosis had been correct.

Per the advice of my doctor, I will need to have another surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) as well as chemotherapy. I am scheduled for Thursday (December 19, 2013 ) and chemotherapy soon thereafter.

"Ovarian Cancer mainly develops in older women. About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older. It is more common in white women that African-American women (Cancer.org)."

As a 34 year old, African American woman, I feel that it is important that I share my story in order to educate and encourage others about this disease and the fight against it.

2013 has been full of blessings, from being nominated for a prestigious Tony Award for my portrayal of "Diana Ross" in Motown The Musical as well as many other accolades. God has given me another role to play and like all my previous roles, I plan to go all in, only this time I plan to Win!"

On behalf of the company, the producers said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Valisia during this challenging time, and we, along with the entire Motown the Musical family, are hoping for a complete and speedy recovery."

Felicia Boswell (MEMPHIS) is currently playing the role of Diana Ross.

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My thoughts and prayers for Valisia...

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 3:46pm

Wishing her a speedy recovery to good health.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 3:54pm

My 76 year old grandmother was a victim of ovarian cancer back in 1996. At age 34, it is hard to imagine what Valisia is going through right now, but hopefully with the medical treatments today (and a positive can-do attitude, like we've seen with Valerie Harper), she will fight through this, and come back stronger than ever. I wish her all the best and hope to see her back on stage in the future.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 4:15pm

One more person to add to my prayer list. I hope the surgery is a successful and that she recovers and gets through this.

[RUkiddingme]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 4:28pm

What a classy message she put together!
Fight the fight!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 4:49pm

[NewYorkTheater]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 4:52pm

CDC page on ovarian cancer

"Each year, about 20,000 women in the United States get ovarian cancer.

...When ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, treatment is most effective."

Here's praying hers is in an early stage
CDC on ovarian cancer

[MCfan2]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 6:39pm

Sorry to hear that. I'm hoping and praying for the best.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 9:35pm

Prayers for her. I bet anyone who had a snarky comment about her leaving the show wishes they could take it back.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 10:50pm

I lost my mother to ovarian cancer 18 years ago, when there were far fewer treatments for ovarian cancer.

Valisia--may my mother's theater-loving spirit--along with the spirits of so many brave women who have taken your journey and are taking it now--guide you through your surgery and chemo, back to health and back to the stage.

Love and strength. Keep on singing.

[Visceral_Fella]

Posted: 12/17/13 at 11:35pm

I'm sending her many, many, many well wishes. Updated On: 12/17/13 at 11:35 PM

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 12/18/13 at 1:03am

What a courageous young woman. Sending her nothing but love and positive thoughts.

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/18/13 at 9:11pm

Honestly, my jaw just dropped when I read this earlier at work. Sending her all the best for a speedy and full recovery.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 12/19/13 at 11:02am

Thoughts & Prayers, Get Well Valisia, fight the fight beat the cancer and stay strong.

[round2]

Posted: 12/19/13 at 1:27pm

What an extraordinarily brave and generous response to these health issues. I have tremendous respect for Valisia Lekae, and wish her all the best for successful treatment , with the fewest possible side effects, and a quick recovery. Looking forward to her resuming her performing career soon.