Valerie Harper Has Terminal Brain Cancer
Valerie Harper, best known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and its titular spin-off ‘Rhoda,’ has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. But she’s determined to live her last months to the fullest.
On Jan. 15, Harper was told she had a leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare condition in which cancer cells invade the fluid surrounding the brain. She was informed by doctors that she had a mere three months left to live.
The 73-year-old Harper, a non-smoker who beat lung cancer in 2009, told PEOPLE, “I don’t think of dying. I think of being here now … I’m well past my expiration date already.”
The four-time Emmy winner and one-time Golden Globe recipient’s courage and determination has received praise and well wishes from her colleagues in the entertainment community.
Praying for Valerie Harper. Puts everything in perspective quickly.
— Andy Cohen (@BravoAndy) March 6, 2013
@valerieharper I adore you xoxo we all do and are praying for you
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) March 6, 2013
Tragic news about Valerie Harper. She has terminal brain cancer & just 3 months. Sending prayers, love & gratitude for her wonderful work.
— Sally Jessy Raphael (@SJRaphael) March 6, 2013
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