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Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes said Tuesday that she will return to work next week after maternity leave while continuing treatment for Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosed late in her pregnancy.
Fuentes shared the personal update on social media, saying she was diagnosed at 37 weeks pregnant.
"I immediately asked if my baby was okay and if I would be able to deliver her safely. Fortunately, thanks to my incredible labor and delivery team, I delivered her safely on May 5th," Fuentes wrote in a statement. "Baby Vivienne is healthy and growing fast!"
Fuentes said she began cancer treatment within 36 hours of giving birth while still recovering in the hospital.
She said she first found a lump in her breast when she was seven months pregnant and raised the concern at her next OB-GYN appointment.
"By acting quickly, we caught the cancer before it spread. It's so important to trust your body. If something feels off, get it checked," Fuentes said. "Early detection saves lives."
Fuentes said she is receiving care at St. David's North Austin Medical Center and Texas Oncology. She plans to return to work midway through her treatment plan.
She thanked her District 2 staff, family and close friends for supporting her as she balanced chemotherapy and early motherhood.
"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," Fuentes said. "This diagnosis hasn't changed who I am or what I am committed to. If anything, it's reinforced why the work we do together matters."
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