SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald's office confirmed Friday that she is battling breast cancer and is preparing to have outpatient surgery.
"My doctors say I have an excellent prognosis for full recovery, after the usual protocols," Emerald said in a post on her Facebook page.
The second-term councilwoman represents a swath of town running from around San Diego State University through City Heights and into Southcrest. She previously spent 22 years as a consumer advocate for 10News.
Emerald, 59, said she learned of her diagnosis earlier this week, while she was part of a delegation of San Diegans on a trip to lobby federal officials in Washington, D.C.
"I was thinking water, energy, affordable housing and transportation," Emerald wrote in her post. "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine bringing back this intimate appreciation and new sense of advocacy for a disease that strikes women and men so randomly."
She said she's been getting advice from friends and family about how to deal with the disease.
"I look forward to a full recovery and getting back to work and back to the business of serving our city," Emerald wrote. "I also look forward to the opportunity to serve those also struggling with breast cancer and will use this Facebook site to guide you to resources that may help you or loved ones in your journey for a cure."
City Council President Todd Gloria called Emerald "a proven fighter."
"I know she'll win this battle and I wish her well," he said. "Her City Council colleagues will support her in any way we can as she focuses on her health and balances the demands of serving her district."