Colorado Mayor, 42, Says She’s Going to Kick Breast Cancer’s ‘Butt’ After Revealing Diagnosis During City Council Meeting

Arvada’s Mayor, Lauren Simpson, made a heartfelt announcement during a city council meeting on Tuesday, March 10, revealing that she has been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. The 42-year-old Democrat reassured attendees and viewers around the globe via a YouTube clip, stating confidently, “I need to share with everybody now that, over the holidays, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m gonna be just fine, everybody; it’s stage 1, we caught it early. It’s gonna be great.”

Simpson is set to undergo surgery on 16 March, which will include a mastectomy on her right side, where three tumours have been identified, in addition to the removal of a lump from her left breast. This proactive approach comes after she had recently learned that a lesion previously deemed a benign cyst had transformed into a small tumour, alongside the discovery of others in her right breast.

Following her diagnosis, Simpson expressed gratitude for having made it to her annual mammogram appointment. “Thank God I did my routine appointment, because if I had waited another year, the cancer could have spread,” she shared in an interview with The Denver Post. Earlier, a mammogram had led her to believe that she had simply a benign cyst, making her near-miss with additional appointments all the more significant.

During her announcement at the council meeting, she remarked candidly, “In politics, we always say pick your battles, but sometimes the battles pick you. I don’t think cancer knew who it was picking when it picked me, but best believe I’m going to kick its butt.” Simpson’s resolve to maintain a positive attitude during this challenging time is evident, as she promised members of the council that she would return soon, stating, “I’m coming back.”

As she prepares for her surgery, Simpson mentioned her hopes to avoid chemotherapy and radiation. However, she acknowledged that hormone therapy may be necessary to minimise the risk of recurrence, depending on what the surgeons discover during her procedure. Following her operation, she maintains optimism about her recovery, asserting, “I should be walking by early April, even if it’s with a cane.”

The mayor’s resilience is echoed in her commitments to her constituents, as outlined on the City of Arvada’s website. Simpson has dedicated herself to tackling issues that impact her community, including advocating for affordability, supporting local businesses, and enhancing public spaces for residents and visitors alike. Her vision includes being a voice for families in Arvada and championing the needs of those she represents.

Elected as mayor in 2023 for a four-year term, Simpson has prior experience serving from 2019 to 2023 as a council member for District 2. Her election was a testament to her commitment to the community and the issues she has passionately championed.

Simpson is also a mother to a 9-year-old daughter named Tabitha, and she hopes for a smooth recovery to continue being the role model and advocate her family and community deserve. She has consistently demonstrated courage, determination, and a willingness to face challenges head-on.

As the situation develops, the community of Arvada stands behind their mayor, offering support and encouragement during her treatment and recovery process. Simpson has expressed her optimism about what lies ahead and the work she hopes to continue as she overcomes this personal battle.

While the news comes as a shock, her upbeat disposition serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and preventative care in the fight against cancer. As she navigates this difficult journey, Mayor Lauren Simpson remains committed to her role as a leader and protector of her constituents.