by KYW's Ian Bush
A veteran New Jersey state senator and former Philadelphia TV anchorwoman has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of cancer.
Diane Allen is not releasing details of her illness. In a statement on her Senate web site, the fourth-term Republican says she is "exploring treatment options with some of the finest doctors in the world," and that she expects to undergo surgery as early as this week.
Allen has represented parts of Burlington and Camden counties since 1996, the past 11 years in the Senate. She says she plans to return to the state senate floor "at the first opportunity."
Allen was a TV news anchor on television stations KYW and WCAU, among others, before her career as a legislator. She is also president of a video production company based in Burlington, NJ.
KYW's Larry Kane spoke with his former television news colleague on Monday afternoon. He says that in the conversation she was, as always, forceful and determined:
"Diane is the kind of person who always sees the glass half full. She said that this cancer was a very serious challenge but that, buoyed by the love of her family and the inspiration of all the messages and prayers offered for her, she is ready to fight back.
"Incidentally, fighting back is a trademark of her life -- she was one of the first successful female anchors in the country, a political success in the New Jersey Senate, and broke down gender barriers at the Union League in Philadelphia.
"To those of you who reached out, she offers a heartfelt thank-you."
(File photos)
E-Mail Story
Print Story
