“I’m Not Dying Until I Do,” Emmy-winning actress Valerie Harper told the Today show, determined to stay positive in spite of a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. Stars have had great power to inspire as they battle cancer in the public eye.
Emmy-winning actress Valerie Harper, 73, told the Today show’s Savannah Guthrie that in spite of her terminal brain cancer diagnosis, “I have an intention to live each moment fully.”
“‘Incurable’ is a tough word,” Harper said. “I’m not dying until I do. I promise I won’t.”
Harper, known for her role as Rhoda Morganstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, was given three to six months to live, according to US Weekly.
The private battle fought by so many is a very public one for celebrities battling cancer. Some have had great power to inspire others with cancer.
Words of Celebrities Who Have Battled Cancer
“Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet. I stand tonight because I want to be part of this effort to find an end to cancer.... Cancer’s in for one hell of a fight.” -Michael Douglas, throat cancer survivor
“I look at my cancer journey as a gift: It made me slow down and realize the important things in life and taught me to not sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the day, accept help when you need it, and be grateful for every day you have.” -Olivia Newton John, breast cancer survivor
“If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell.” -Lance Armstrong, testicular cancer survivor
“Time is shortening. But every day that I challenge this cancer and survive is a victory for me.” -Ingrid Bergman, died of breast cancer
“I laughed more in the hospital than I ever have in my life, making fun of all the weird things that were happening to me.” -Christina Applegate, breast cancer survivor
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