CLEVELAND — Some of you have no doubt noticed that reporter Olivia Fecteau has not been on the air recently. Out of respect for Olivia, we have not acknowledged her absence. Today, Olivia chose to share publicly what we’ve been carrying in our hearts privately: she is being treated for cancer.
Olivia has been diagnosed with a rare, fast-growing cancer called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. It is an aggressive form of cancer, but doctors have told Olivia it is "very treatable" for someone her age.
“I hadn’t been feeling well for several weeks before my diagnosis but assumed I was either rundown or maybe had a viral infection,” she said. “My lymph nodes under my chin were enlarged, and I had a hard lump just above my collarbone that wouldn’t go away, making it hard to swallow and even breathe.”
She is receiving care at the Cleveland Clinic.
Olivia’s wide network of support includes her husband, Brett Hiltbrand, a sports reporter who covers the Columbus Crew.
“The road ahead is scary, but Brett and I feel very fortunate to have amazing people in our corner: our parents and siblings, extended families and friends and the News 5 Cleveland and Columbus Crew teams,” Olivia said.
The entire News 5 team is standing behind Olivia in her fight.
You can read her full announcement and wish her well on her Facebook Page.
