Hollywood legend Jane Fonda announced she has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in an emotional post on Instagram Friday afternoon.
The actress and activist is updating fans on her personal life while promising to continue to fight for climate change.
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Sharing a selfie on Friday afternoon, Jane Fonda revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
“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.This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky,” she began.
“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.”
Jane continued: “We also need to be talking much more not just about cures but about causes so we can eliminate them. For example, people need to know that fossil fuels cause cancer. So do pesticides, many of which are fossil fuel-based, like mine.”
“I’m doing chemo for 6 months and am handling the treatments quite well and, believe me, I will not let any of this interfere with my climate activism.”
“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.”
The activist explained how she will continue to fight the good fight for our planet’s climate crisis.
“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.”
“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.”
Back in July, the 84-year-old reflected on her age and how she planned on ushering in her 85th year.
“I know this sounds strange, but it’s great to get older. I mean, obviously it beats the alternative, which is to die,” Jane told ET.
” It’s so hard to be young . I mean, it’s always been hard to be young — it’s even more hard now… It’s all like, ‘Who am I supposed to be? What am I supposed to do? What kind of a job am I supposed to have? Where am I supposed to go with my life? Why am I even here? Who should be my friends?'”
We’re rooting for you, Jane!