Brittany Parks, a dancer who appeared on the Fox musical comedy-drama "Glee" from 2009 to 2015, has announced her diagnosis with stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. The 38-year-old actress shared the news over the weekend on Instagram, detailing that she has been undergoing continuous tests since her diagnosis in March.
"You never think you’ll be the one sitting here trying to figure out the best way to tell the people you know and love that you have cancer…but here we are," Parks wrote on social media. "I’ve been diagnosed with stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer."
She described the period since her diagnosis as a series of tests, doctor's appointments, and "mental rollercoasters." However, Parks expressed confidence in her treatment plan, stating, "working closely with my doctors I feel confident and at ease with the treatment plan I am currently undergoing."
Parks anticipates a challenging year ahead but remains optimistic about her recovery. "The next year is going to be difficult, and that’s to say the least. But knowing that I WILL be okay and will come out on the other side kicking cancers a** has me currently at peace and ready for the ride," she said.
Triple negative breast cancer is a form of the disease that lacks receptors for estrogen and progesterone hormones, as well as the HER2 protein. This characteristic can make it more challenging to treat, as the tumors do not respond to hormonal therapies or treatments targeting the HER2 protein. This type accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of all breast cancer cases and tends to be more aggressive, often affecting women under 40 and Black women more frequently.
In support of Parks, "Glee" co-star Heather Morris has established a GoFundMe page to assist with her medical bills. The page aims to raise $50,000 and has so far garnered over $37,000. Morris described Parks as a "magnificent, lively, and loving person with an infectious laugh and spritely soul."
"As we all know, she travels the world teaching tap students and sharing her gift with hundreds of tap dancers," Morris wrote on the fundraising page. "When she’s not teaching, she’s workshopping on major NYC Broadway shows like Shuffle Along and 42nd Street. Given that BP is now immune compromised, it makes it increasingly difficult for her to continue working and traveling as she did before."
The GoFundMe initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden of rent, daily living expenses, food, and medical co-pays, allowing Parks to focus on her health. Morris urged for donations, stating, "Help lift the financial burden she may feel during one of the toughest times yet. Brittany has been the backbone to many of our own hard times... now is the time to pay it forward."
Other castmates, including Kevin McHale and Alex Newell, have also expressed their support for Parks online.