DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Andrea Mitchell's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on Andrea Mitchell's announcement that she was diagnosed with breast cancer:

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"It is with a heavy heart that I learned that my dear personal friend, fearless foreign affairs correspondent and news anchor Andrea Mitchell, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In bravely coping with this diagnosis, Andrea becomes a member of the club that none of us ever wanted to join – the club that tragically adds 1 in 8 women in our country today.

"Thankfully, like me, Andrea discovered her cancer early. As a breast cancer survivor, I understand intimately how important it is that women have every possible cancer-fighting tool at their disposal.

"Andrea has been an unwavering advocate for breast cancer awareness, prevention, and treatment throughout her career. It has been a joy and honor to join her in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the annual Congressional Women's Softball Game, which benefits the Young Survival Coalition. I am so sorry that her longstanding support for these causes has now become a personal battle as well.

"Our nation has been a leader in discovering innovative methods of detection and treatment. A cancer diagnosis is no longer the death sentence it used to be, and the statistics are only getting better. But our health care system is still rife with disparities – especially in knowledge and access – that prevent these advances from reaching everyone.

"Andrea, you are an invaluable friend, colleague, and now sister in survival. Thank you for the incredible work that you do. Your legions of loyal viewers I am sure join me in praying for your quick and easy recovery and renewal of your good health."

SOURCE Democratic National Committee