Valisia LeKae Writes About Cancer Diagnosis, MOTOWN & More

MOTOWN headliner and Broadway star Valisia LeKae discusses her recent shocking cancer diagnosis and her experiences while performing the role of Diana Ross in the hit jukebox musical MOTOWN as part of a new blog post.

Describing her initial excitement at first being cast in MOTOWN, LeKae shares, "I had spent the last 12 years in New York perfecting my craft as an actress. In the past, I'd had opportunities to work with some of the best in the business: Alan Cumming, Ana Gasteyer, Jim Dale, John Collum, Cyndi Lauper, and, most of all, the amazing Audra McDonald, who taught me so much just by my watching her work on and off stage. The fruits of my labor were starting to pay off. Life was delicious! Because the music of Motown is so historic and there are so many stars associated with the Motown Label, the list of people that I had the opportunity to meet and converse with was legendary. So many people came to opening night; it was like Motown 25 all over again! And there I was, sandwiched between two legends: Diana Ross and Berry Gordy."

Additionally, LeKae writes of her recent cancer diagnosis, recounting, "On December 2, 2013, I had planned to call my doctor that morning, but he beat me to the punch. I remember being jovial and loquacious that morning. I had a number of questions for him, mostly wanting to know if what I was experiencing normal. My doctor assured me that everything was normal but that wasn't the reason he was calling. He then started to explain that a pathology test was done on the Endometrioma (cyst) that was removed, and that it had tested positive for clear cell carcinoma."

LeKae concludes of her journey so far, "I never knew how many people were willing to be investors in my life until now. I never knew how many people depended on me to stay alive until now. And everyday, I am humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity and support of friends, family, and strangers alike. This entire experience has been quite remarkable. But the one thing I can honestly say is that since my diagnosis, I have been the happiest I have ever been in my life."

Check out the entire original blog post here.