An announcement from WFAA Meteorologist Mariel Ruiz: ‘I have breast cancer’

DALLAS — Hey, North Texas:

I have some tough news to share with you.

I know. I’m still in shock, too.

About one month after my 33rd birthday, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

I’m grateful for my team of doctors. We have a treatment plan in place, and the outlook is positive — but the road ahead will be a challenging one.

This deeply personal news is difficult to talk about, but it’s important to share.

I found the lump myself during a routine self-exam. That moment changed my life. I want to remind you that early detection is why my outlook is positive. Trust your instincts — because cancer doesn’t discriminate. Before my diagnosis, I was the healthiest and fittest I’ve ever been. I have no family history of breast cancer, and I didn’t feel any other symptoms.

This type of cancer grows quickly. After my diagnosis, it felt like a sprint to get to my first treatment. I underwent fertility preservation, port installation surgery, endless oncology consultations, and finally started chemotherapy 18 days after my official diagnosis.

I’m still trying to catch my breath.

Over the next few months, you may notice some changes. There may be days I’m not on the air. There will be physical changes too.

I want you to know that behind the scenes, I’m fighting so hard and staying hopeful.

Sharing the forecast with you — the community that raised me — has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Your support, your kindness and your encouragement mean more than you know. And if you see me out and about, and I look a little different, please just know: I’m still me. Still Mariel.

I’m just facing a different kind of storm right now.