Christy Carlson Romano, a former Disney Channel performer, publicly disclosed via Instagram that she has been diagnosed with what she described as “stageable cancer” following a routine medical scan conducted in December while filming in Florida. The announcement was delivered in an emotional video message.
Romano, a Daytime Emmy Award nominee who is approaching her 42nd birthday, stated that her decision to undergo screening was influenced in part by the recent passing of fellow Texas resident James Van Der Beek, whom she described as an active and respected member of their local community. She referenced a significant family history of cancer, noting that both of her parents were previously diagnosed with the disease, as well as her maternal grandmother, who died of lung cancer.
She further indicated that she is scheduled to undergo a positron emission tomography (PET) scan later this week to assess the extent of the condition and expressed hope that the illness will prove to be treatable. Romano characterized the period as “vulnerable,” acknowledging feelings of nervousness and fear, particularly in light of her responsibilities as a mother of two minor children.
Romano also referenced a prior traumatic incident in which she sustained facial injuries from shotgun shrapnel while shooting clay targets approximately one year ago. She confirmed that certain bullet fragments remain lodged behind her eye and in her forehead, as surgical removal was deemed medically inadvisable due to associated risks.
Her husband, Brendan Rooney, a retired U.S. Marine, publicly conveyed support in response to her announcement. The couple, who married in 2013, share two daughters.
Romano stated that she deliberated before making the diagnosis public, expressing concern about public perception, but ultimately concluded that disclosure was warranted to encourage cancer screening awareness.
Professionally, Romano is scheduled to appear in Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, directed by Ryan Landels and set to premiere on the Hallmark Channel, with filming recently completed at Walt Disney World Resort.
She is widely recognized for her portrayal of Ren Stevens in the Disney Channel series Even Stevens and as the voice of the titular character in the animated series Kim Possible.#newsafro_
