North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood releases statement to members revealing cancer diagnosis

North Melbourne fans have put their arms around president Dr Sonja Hood after she released a statement to members revealing that she has breast cancer.

Dr Sonja Hood has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Picture: Getty Images

North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood will undergo surgery in the coming weeks after recently being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Dr Hood, who has played a key role in reshaping the Kangaroos since taking over the role early last year, wrote to members on Friday to tell them she will be taking a short time away from her role.

While she described the diagnosis as “a bit of a shock”, she stressed that her specialists expected her to make a complete recovery.

“The diagnosis was a bit of a shock after the lump was picked up in a routine mammogram – one that I nearly skipped,” Dr Hood said.

North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood will step away from the club after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Picture: Michael Klein

“A routine biopsy determined that the lump would need to be removed.

“I’m shocked, a bit angry, a bit scared, but more than all of that – I’m positive. I know that this is going to be OK. We’ve caught it early, and we’re not wasting any time in getting rid of it.

“I will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and will be absent from club events for a short time after that while I recover – until then, I’m around, and I’ll be back as soon as I can be.”

Nothing but love for you, @Sonja_Hood.

Thank you for all you have done for our club but now is our time to support you. We know you’re as tough as Cunners but don’t forget there’s a huge Shinboner army behind you every step of the way. 💪🏼

See you back at Arden Street soon. 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/pzl1KtIXqv

— maddie (@maddiemelb) February 3, 2023

Your a fighter @Sonja_Hood get well soon ⚪️🔵❤️

— Batesy (@mitch23bates) February 3, 2023

@Sonja_Hood just want you to know that the supporters are thinking of you and can’t wait to have you back soon doing more great things for our club. Your strength will hold you in great stead over coming weeks. As a Shinboner they don’t come much better than you. Cheers Mark

— Mark Hallo (@MarkHallo7) February 3, 2023

I know you are a fighter @Sonja_Hood. All the best for a speedy recovery! 🙏

— giantroo (@giantroo) February 3, 2023

@Sonja_Hood wishing you all the best Dr Hood, good luck with the surgery and recovery, can't wait to have you back at Arden St getting ready for a big 2023 💙🩶 pic.twitter.com/V2kuNTFIT5

— Jacob Nottage (@JacobNottage) February 3, 2023

She urged people to get regular check-ups, saying they have the capacity to save lives.

“Aside from sending good vibes, there’s only one thing that I’m going to ask that you do – if you or someone in your life (Mum, Dad, partner, sibling, grandparent) should be having routine medical checks and they aren’t, nag them into going,” she said.

“At worst it’s half an hour they’ll never get back, but you just don’t know when it might save a life.”

Dr Hood was the catalyst behind the chase for Alastair Clarkson as senior coach after making the tough decision to part company with David Noble. Clarkson has credited her as being one of the reasons why he overlooked Essendon to take on coaching the Kangaroos.