North Melbourne president Sonja Hood has been diagnosed with breast cancer, but specialists expect a “full recovery”.
Hood wrote to members on Friday informing them of the news, with her cancer diagnosed after a routine mammogram led to a biopsy.
Hood will undergo surgery in the coming weeks but intends to return to the role when able.
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“The diagnosis was a bit of a shock after the lump was picked up in a routine mammogram – one that I nearly skipped,” Hood wrote.
“A subsequent biopsy determined that the lump would need to be removed.
“I will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and will be absent from club events for a short time after that while I recover – until then, I’m around, and I’ll be back just as soon as I can be.
“I’m shocked, a bit angry, a bit scared, but more than all of that – I’m positive. I know that this is going to be OK. We’ve caught it early, and we’re not wasting any time in getting rid of it.
“My specialists expect a full recovery.
“Aside from sending good vibes, there’s only one thing that I’m going to ask that you do – if you or someone in your life (Mum, Dad, partner, sibling, grandparent) should be having routine medical checks and they aren’t, nag them into going.
“At worst it’s half an hour they’ll never get back but you just don’t know when it might save a life.”
Hood took over as president in March last year, taking over from Ben Buckley.
In her first year at the helm, Hood oversaw substantial change at the club, including the departure of coach David Noble and appointment of Alastair Clarkson.
