North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood has been diagnosed with breast cancer, stating that she will have a lump removed in the coming weeks.
Dr Hood revealed her diagnosis on Friday afternoon, claiming that the lump was first detected during a routine mammogram appointment before being confirmed via biopsy.
In an open address to North Melbourne members and the media, Dr Hood stated that while both "shocked" and "angry", she remained "positive" overall.
“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 wrote.
“I'm shocked, 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."
Armed with the knowledge of what lies ahead, Dr Hood also preached the life-saving importance of regular check-ups, stressing that those in the wider community not shirk their duties to themselves and family.
“Aside from sending good vibes, there's only one thing that I'm going to ask that you do – if someone in your life (Mum, Dad, partner, sibling, grandparent) should be having routine medical checks and they aren't, nag them into going," she added.
“At worst it's half an hour they'll never get back but you just don't know when it might save a life.”
While Dr Hood is expected to make a full recovery, the North Melbourne Football Club made the request that the privacy of the president and her family be respected during her time spent away from headquarters.
Dr Hood has held high office at Arden Street for less than a year, succeeding former president Ben Buckley in March of 2022.
Since taking the reigns, the doctor of population health has overseen the arrival of Alastair Clarkson back into the Roos huddle, as well as the departures of ex-coach David Noble and prized No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis.
