“Even Stevens” and “Kim Possible” star Christy Carlson Romano revealed on Instagram Tuesday that she recently tested positive for cancer.
Romano told viewers that both she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, had undergone cancer tests because of a history of cancer in her family. Romano’s parents and maternal grandmother were each diagnosed with different types of cancer, and her mother was the only one who “beat it.”
In the video, Romano explained that her husband’s results were “absolutely negative,” but hers were not. The actress will next undergo a PET scan, a nuclear imaging test that helps detect diseases such as cancer at the cellular level.
Romano also disclosed potential insurance issues and said she was “fighting with the company” to “cover” the scan.
Romano’s video was posted one week after the death of “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek, who died of colorectal cancer on February 11.
“I live in Austin and I got to meet James Van Der Beek a lot. His family is amazing. He’s a pillar of our community in Texas,” Romano said. “They were always raising money for great charities, but he’s no longer with us. Cancer exists everywhere. That’s why I took this test.”
Romano called the outcome “unbelievable,” adding that she plans to “not think about it too much” while focusing on creative projects, including a recent film and an upcoming memoir.
“It’s time to have a strong faith and know that most of it is in God’s hands,” Romano said. “I think people think I’m overreacting, but I’m not, because cancer is pretty serious and I have two little girls.”
Romano promised viewers that she would “keep fighting for answers” and thanked her family for their support.
“Right now there’s news that something is going on. I’m nervous and a little scared (who wouldn’t be like that!),” Romano wrote in the caption, adding that she was initially hesitant to post the video but wanted to encourage others to get tested.
“Let’s keep the good vibes going. As soon as we have more information, we’ll let you all know,” she concluded.
In addition to appearing on Disney Channel’s “Even Stevens” and voicing the main character on “Kim Possible,” Romano hosts several podcasts, including “Vulnarable,” where he interviews former child actors.
