Gofundme page launched to help actress Valerie Harper pay for cancer treatments
Beloved actress Valerie Harper was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009. In 2013 she shared with the public that the unforgiving disease had moved to her brain and spinal cord. But in 2017 she was still a working actress; many of us believed she was immortal.
Unfortunately, her cancer type – leptomeningeal carcinomatosis – is a rare and incurable form of the disease, according to Fox News.
Now it’s 2019 and her cancer struggles continue. The financial burden associated with her battle has necessitated her loved ones to resort to a GoFundMe page to help “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” alum pay the mounting medical bills.
The following is an excerpt from her page, “The Valerie Harper Cancer Support Fund” . . .
Valerie Harper came into our hearts in 1970 as Mary Richard’s witty, edgy and loving neighbor, Rhoda, on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” followed by her own show. Her career before and after “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” included dance, theatre, television sitcoms and movies. Winning four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and nominated for a Tony Award for her role as Tallulah Bankhead in “Looped.”
In 2009, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and in March 2013, revealed she was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis — a condition that occurs when cancer cells spread into the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the brain, known as the meninges. Valerie has defied all odds and continued working and enjoying each day years beyond what doctors had expected. Her husband, Tony Cacciotti, has been by her side giving her support and hope every step of the way. [continued below]
Valerie has been grateful over the years for the medical breakthroughs along this difficult journey but insurance doesn’t cover everything. There are unrelenting medical costs on a continuous basis. Valerie is currently taking a multitude of medications and chemotherapy drugs as well as going through extreme physical and painful challenges now with around the clock, 24/7 care immediately needed which is not covered by insurance. This is just part of the daily cost that is without a doubt a financial burden that could never be met alone. This GoFundMe initiative from Tony, is to ensure she receives the best care possible.
Your care and support is greatly appreciated.
Valerie is loved by many friends and fans around the globe and although calls and emails can’t always be returned, she will receive and read the messages you post below.
The now 78-year-old Harper rose to fan favorite status playing Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which ran from 1970 – 1977. Her very own spinoff from that show, “Rhoda,” ran from 1974 – 1978.
She also starred in the 1980s sitcom Valerie and Valerie’s Family later retitled The Hogan Family after Harper exited the show. More recently, she had recurring roles on The Office and The Simpsons. Her film credits include Freebie and the Bean (1974) and Chapter Two (1979). ~ Deadline
For more on the iconic Valerie Harper and her fight against cancer, see the video accompanying this article.
~ Written by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
Also see:
- ‘Seinfeld’ actor Charles Levin found dead in Oregon
- Beth Chapman remembered at Colorado funeral, eulogized by husband ‘Dog’ the Bounty Hunter
- Disney star Cameron Boyce dies at the tender age of 20
