North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood has revealed she has breast cancer and will take time away from the club.
Hood, who has helped to revitalise the Kangaroos since taking charge last year, said on Friday she would undergo surgery.
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood has been diagnosed with breast cancer.Credit:Eddie Jim
“The diagnosis was a bit of a shock after the lump was picked up in a routine mammogram – one that I nearly skipped. A subsequent biopsy determined that the lump would need to be removed,” Hood said.
“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.”
Hood, who played a key role in luring Alastair Clarkson as coach to the club, has been on the Kangaroos’ board since 2019. She is also the chief executive of Community Hubs Australia, a national partnership that encourages social cohesion and supports migrant and refugee families.
Hood steps away as Jennifer Watt starts as the club’s new chief executive.
“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,” Hood said.
Hood took charge of the Kangaroos last year during a season of turbulence, with plans for a rebuild under then coach David Noble faltering. Noble soon departed, while Ben Amarfio later left his post as chief executive. Hood was personally involved in the chase for Clarkson, and was successful in luring the four-time premiership coach back to a club he had played with.
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