Maura Tierney is a Cancer Survivor Who Plays a Part in Cancer Awareness

Maura Tierney is a cancer survivor and a celebrity. The public learned that the 45-year-old Tierney, best known for her role as Abby Lockhart in the TV show ER, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. She was all set to star in the TV show Parenthood, but left to receive treatment. Now, in 2010, Tierney has returned to TV as Kathryn Peale in the TV show The Whole Truth.

The beautiful Maura Tierney is a cancer survivor who was afraid to go get the lump in her breast checked out. "That's one thing I will say: Don't be afraid to go to the damn doctor. Just go!" says Tierney. But Tierney also notes that the type of breast cancer she had was an aggressive type that doctors, a decade ago, didn't have the ability to detect properly. "They would have patted me on the head and told me, 'You're cured,' and I would have died of breast cancer."

As explained at the National Breast Cancer Foundation, "The best way to fight breast cancer is to have a plan that helps you detect the disease in its early stages." Tierney felt a lump, was brave enough to visit the doctor, and is now a breast cancer survivor.

Today, Maura Tierney, who fans were used to seeing in long hair before the cancer, sports short hair and has been open about her breast cancer, which contributes to awareness. The openness, especially since she is now on a new series and is always faced with the question of her health, is not always easy for her. "I haven't quite sorted it all out for myself yet. I took a job and I'm in a situation where I have to do publicity. It's hard for me. I'm a private person, pretty much."

But despite how difficult it can be for Tierney, she is a cancer survivor who plays a part in cancer awareness. In addition to magazine articles and appearances on programs like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tierney is a new face on the charity scene.

In August of 2010, Maura Tierney teamed up with Today host Meredith Vieira for what is known as Boston's Jimmy Fund. Sporting Boston Red Sox jerseys, Tierney, who is a native of Boston, threw out the first pitch with Vieira at a Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays game. Boston's Jimmy Fund recognizes both adult and pediatric cancer and cancer research. Vieira's husband has survived colon cancer.

In September of 2010 was the 2010 Stand Up for Cancer fundraiser that featured cancer survivors, such as Lance Armstrong, Maura Tierney and Christina Applegate. The hour long TV special helped raise at least 80 million for cancer research.

Sources:

Nicole Eggenberger, Maura Tierney on Her Breast Cancer: "I Was So Scared" , OK!

Meredith Vieira, Maura Tierney make a pitch against cancer at Fenway Park, Los Angeles Times

Stand Up to Cancer Announces More Than $80 Million Pledged So Far in Connection With September 10 Fundraising Special, Press Release

National Breast Cancer Foundation

Maura Tierney: Survives Cancer & Urges American to Help, Third Age

Maura Tierney Shares Her Breast Cancer Story, The Ellen DeGeneres Show