Emmy-nominated fan favorite Kassie DePaiva (Eve Donovan, Days of our Lives; ex-Blair Cramer, One Life to Live/General Hospital/All My Children) is one of the biggest champions of daytime television and its fans. Now the actress needs some of that support and positivity from fans.
"I know that I have been quiet lately and I want to let you know what's been going on in my life," DePaiva shared in a message on her personal web site. "I was asked back to play Eve on DAYS and had begun my exciting return. During the 3-week July hiatus, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and have spent 6 of the last 9 weeks in the hospital."
Adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that interferes with the production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Approximately 20,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. Treatment may include chemotherapy, blood transfusions, or, in some cases, a stem cell transplant.
"I will continue treatment over the next 3 months. My prognosis is good, I will not likely need a stem cell/bone marrow transplant, and we expect a complete cure," DePaiva continued, adding that she considers the illness to be "just a bump in the road."
"This has been a private matter but with Eve's return coming soon I felt it was time to let my loving fans know what's been going on," DePaiva shared.
In addition to asking that fans keep her in their thoughts and prayers, DePaiva also encourages everyone to consider being a stem cell/bone marrow donor. It's a process that can save someone's life. For additional information on becoming a donor, visit BeTheMatch.org. Additionally, you can donate blood or platelets at your local blood bank or American Red Cross.
Some of Kassie's soap family and friends have voiced their support for the actress on social media.
"[C]ould not be more proud of @KassieDePaiva and how strong she is," Eddie Alderson (ex-Matthew Buchanan, OLTL) tweeted. "She is the greatest person I know and will get through this!"
"You're a strong woman! Love you and praying for you," Rebecca Budig (Hayden Barnes, General Hospital; ex-Greenlee Smythe, AMC) posted.
If you're on Twitter, you can send your messages directly @KassieDePaiva. You can read Kassie's entire message to fans on her website.
You can share your own messages of encouragement in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.
