Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes is poised to make her return to City Hall on Monday after announcing her battle with breast cancer. In a statement released on Tuesday, Fuentes shared that she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer while 37 weeks pregnant.
Fuentes recounted her experience of discovering a lump in her breast, which prompted her to seek immediate medical advice. “By acting quickly, we caught the cancer before it spread,” she emphasized. “It’s so important to trust your body. If something feels off, get it checked. Early detection saves lives.”
Following her diagnosis, Fuentes welcomed her daughter Vivienne into the world on May 5, describing her as “healthy and growing fast.” She urged women to take charge of their health and to consider scheduling mammograms before the age of 40.
Just 36 hours after giving birth, Fuentes began her cancer treatment and plans to continue her medical care while resuming her responsibilities on the Austin City Council. “I now join the fight against cancer, standing shoulder to shoulder with the millions of people who show up to work, raise their families, and serve their communities while fighting this disease every single day,” she stated. “This diagnosis hasn’t changed who I am or what I’m committed to. If anything, it’s reinforced why the work we do together matters.”
Fuentes returns to her duties during a crucial period for the city, coinciding with the budget planning cycle and significant upcoming decisions related to a bond election, the Dog’s Head development, and city council elections.
