Four-time Emmy and James Beard Award-winning television personality Leslie Sbrocco—who is also an acclaimed author and wine, food, and travel authority, plus a San Francisco Bay Times columnist—recently disclosed that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in March 2021, after nearly two years of misdiagnoses. Since then, she has had eight surgeries, ten radiation treatments, and 22 rounds of chemotherapy. Now, in March 2024, she has “no evidence of residual disease” (NERD), and jokes that she “always knew she was a nerd.”
In the previous issue of the San Francisco Bay Times, we shared that the V Foundation for Cancer Research ( https://www.v.org/ ) has selected Sbrocco as the 2024 Sonoma Epicurean Event Honoree. She will receive the award during the 3rd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend that will be held March 21–24, 2024.
In acknowledgment of that well-deserved honor, and because it is both Women’s History Month and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke further with Sbrocco about what she calls her “cancer journey.”
San Francisco Bay Times: Your work ethic is exceptional, and we believe that is connected to consideration for others, whether they be your team members or audiences. You have mentioned that working throughout your treatment has given you “purpose, joy, and a sense of normalcy.” Please elaborate more on that. We’re curious, for example, if you think there is any value to “acting as if” under such situations.
Leslie Sbrocco: When I was diagnosed in March of 2021, outside of my family and close friends, the next people I called were my colleagues at KQED. Check Please! has been my “family” for nearly 20 years. They supported me fully and scheduled shoots around my treatment schedules so I could keep working (it helped that I never lost my hair!). It made me feel I had a sense of purpose and normalcy. I could laugh with the guests and take my mind off cancer on shooting days. The same was true with my long-term consulting clients. They have all been incredible and I’ve worked basically non-stop for three years. It’s not so much “acting as if,” rather keeping focused on living every day to the fullest.
San Francisco Bay Times: Throughout the time of your 40 procedures (!) to date, did you benefit from any complementary and alternative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, or something else? If so, what would you say has helped you the most?
Leslie Sbrocco: Three things that have helped me immensely on my journey have been walking, meditation, and breath work. I took up regular walking after my first big surgery and never stopped. Last year alone I clocked 1,400 miles and this year, so far, I’m at 300 miles. Just being outside clears my head and keeps me focused on nature and the world at large. Also, meditation has become a daily practice for me to remain calm, positive, and hopeful.
San Francisco Bay Times: Please tell us about the V Foundation for Cancer Research and why you support this organization.
Leslie Sbrocco: The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and basketball coach and broadcaster, Jim Valvano. He passed away from cancer but left an incredible legacy to achieve their goal of Victory Over Cancer®. They have given more than $350 million dollars in grants to fund cutting-edge cancer research and treatments. I am their honoree for this year’s Sonoma Epicurean weekend, where we hope to raise millions of dollars for research. I am an ardent supporter because of their focus on research to keep people like me, and so many like me, alive and thriving.
San Francisco Bay Times: Coming out as someone who has been diagnosed with cancer has parallels to coming out in other ways, given that it can carry a level of social risk, particularly for a high-profile individual such as yourself. Why did you decide to go public now about your cancer journey?
Leslie Sbrocco: I kept my three-year journey mostly private to focus my energy on healing and treatments. My strong community of family and friends have buoyed me and kept me going during even the worst times. I knew at some point I would openly discuss and share my journey to inspire and help others. This month was the time to begin talking about it publicly because it’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer has become one of the top cancer killers of people under 50 and doctors don’t know why. I am committed to raising awareness in all age groups about the importance of proactive screening. My cancer was misdiagnosed for nearly two years before they found it. I don’t want that to happen to others. Bringing light, encouragement, and awareness to others fills me with pride and purpose.
San Francisco Bay Times: We love this recent statement from you: “My pillars of RESILIENCE, ATTITUDE AND GRATITUDE, and an amazing community of friends, family and medical teams have helped me get here.” A certain level of innate resilience can kick in after a jolting medical diagnosis, but maintaining it in the long haul is another story. Do you intentionally strive to build your mindfulness and resilience and, if so, how?
Leslie Sbrocco: No one is guaranteed tomorrow so you have to live fully each day. That means I wake up and set my intentions to have the best day possible. You have to have a toolkit to manage that. I use meditation, manifestation, exercise, and thankfulness as key parts of my toolkit. On treatment days, for example, I would walk into the cancer center, raise my arms, and say with a smile, “Thank you! We’re going to kill some cancer cells today!” You have to be resilient and choose an attitude of gratitude to make it through life’s hard times.
San Francisco Bay Times: There can be a lot of fear and inertia where health matters are concerned. What do you say to those reading this now, who might be avoiding the colonoscopies, mammograms, that knee twinge that won’t go away—whatever it might be that could likely benefit from medical attention?
Leslie Sbrocco: You must be your own health advocate! I cannot say that more emphatically. I would not be here today if I didn’t push the doctors when I knew something was wrong. I kept pushing until we found an answer. I assembled an amazing team of medical professionals, but it wouldn’t have happened without me being in charge of my own health. https://www.lesliesbrocco.com/
Coming Out for Women’s Health
Published on March 21, 2024
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