The Rev. Kimberly (Kym) Lucas, bishop-elect of the Episcopal Church in Colorado announced late last week that she has been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. In a letter to the diocese, she shared that her prognosis is good, writing,
“My doctor told me that while ‘nobody wants breast cancer, if you’re going to have it, you want it the way you have it: detected early at stage 1.’ Detected at stage 1, my particular form of cancer has a 98% cure rate and my oncology team deems my quest to be cancer free by the end of January ‘entirely reasonable.’”
In the letter, Lucas shared that her diagnosis came after a lump was discovered during a routine mammogram and is so small that it wouldn’t have been discovered without mammography, noting her gratitude for access to medical care saying,
“As Breast Cancer Awareness Month winds down, I find myself grateful: grateful that the Episcopal Church prioritizes preventative care for its employees, grateful that my primary care doctor is diligent in her care for me, grateful that technology makes stage 1 cancer detection possible, grateful for the medical team that cares for me, and grateful for all the encouragement from friends and colleagues who are survivors. I am blessed beyond measure for all of the people in my life who make carrying this load easier.”
Lucas’ prescribed treatment over the next few months will include a lumpectomy, recovery, and then radiation treatment.
In an introduction to Lucas’ letter to the diocese, Robert Morse, President of the House of Deputies wrote,
“I’m reminded of the passage chosen by the Standing Committee when we first met to pray about and to reflect upon the election of a new bishop. This passage from Jeremiah has served us well during this transition: ‘For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)
“We are continuing now with the same confidence and trust in God’s grace and healing power. I invite you to keep Bishop-Elect Kym and her husband Mark and children in your prayers.”
Lucas, who currently serves as the rector of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., was elected 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Colorado on October 27. Pending the consent of the House of Bishops, she is set to begin work in March with her consecration being May 18, 2019.