As an actress, Sofia Vergara has lit up our television screens. With her booming laugh and trademark wit and comedic timing, her role on Modern Family not only came to be an iconic one, but also one that brought joy to countless households around the world. But while Vergara might be known for her acting chops, she also experienced a health battle that proved challenging, one she revealed at a recent telecast for Stand Up to Cancer. In her speech, the 49-year-old actress explained how a routine checkup at the doctor led to being diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was just 28. 

“At 28 years old during a routine doctor’s visit, the doctor felt a lump in my neck. They did a lot of tests and finally told me that I had thyroid cancer,” Vergara explained. “When you’re young and you heart that word ‘cancer,’ your mind goes to so many places. But I tried not to panic, and I decided to get educated. I read every book and found out everything I could about it.”

In her speech, Vergara expressed the overwhelming support she received from family and friends alike, as well as the team of doctors and health professionals that helped her overcome the diagnosis. She encouraged anyone dealing with something similar to reach out to family and doctors, and never be afraid of leaning on them during such a time. 

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“I was fortunate to have caught it early and to have the support of my doctors and, most importantly, my family. I learned a lot during that time. Not just about thyroid cancer, but I also learned that in times of crisis, we’re better together.”

The 2021 Stand Up to Cancer event raised more than $143 million USD in the United States and Canada, with more than $746 million being raised since the non-profit was established in 2008. In the time since, technology and science has been instrumental in aiding both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, yet there remains much to be done. As Vergara expressed, cancer will only come to an end if we work together collectively. 

“Human rights activists took to the streets all over the world to support social justice and equality. And people everywhere stepped up to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in their communities. We’re better together. And if we’re going to end cancer, it’s going to require a team effort,” she said. 

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