AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes announced Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and has begun treatment while preparing to return to her council duties.
Fuentes, who has been on parental leave since May 4, said she discovered a lump in her breast when she was 37 weeks pregnant and immediately sought medical attention.
“By acting quickly, we caught the cancer before it spread,” Fuentes said in a statement. “It’s so important to trust your body. If something feels off, get it checked. Early detection saves lives.”
Fuentes said her daughter, Vivienne, was born safely on May 5 and is “healthy and growing fast.”
She began cancer treatment within 36 hours after giving birth and said she will continue receiving 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,” Fuentes said. “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 also encouraged women to prioritize preventive health care and consider discussing breast cancer screening with their doctors before the recommended screening age of 40.
Her return to City Hall comes as the council begins budget deliberations and prepares to consider major issues, including a proposed bond election, the Dog’s Head development and upcoming city council elections.