CPS superintendent announces cancer diagnosis in email to staff

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood told school staff in an email that he was diagnosed with cancer within the past year.

The letter – which was sent to staff on Wednesday – stated that the diagnosis “required immediate attention,” and that surgery was successful. The letter did not state the type of cancer.

“Receiving such life-changing news creates vulnerability in all of us. Yesterday, I had a moment of vulnerability, and I shared the news with those in attendance at the secondary new educator breakfast,” the letter reads. “I surprised myself and others that I shared it so abruptly, but also recognize that sharing it quickly created some relief that I would not be alone in knowing the information.  I trust and hope you can understand the difficulty in sharing such news after keeping it so close to the chest for these past many months.”

The full letter can be read below.