'Below Deck' Captain Sandy Yawn Reveals Girlfriend Has Breast Cancer
By Mike Walters on August 31, 2019 at 7:11 AM EDT
"Below Deck" star Captain Sandy Yawn has revealed her girlfriend, Leah Shafer, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Capt. Sandy announced the news on Twitter and began by saying, “Not the news we were hoping for.”
Posting several pics of the couple, Yawn added they caught it "early" and are hopeful of the outcome.
Yawn reveals Leah has chosen to undergo a double mastectomy to aggressively treat the cancer.
Addressing the treatment on Twitter, she said, "Together we are stronger, especially with all your good thoughts coming our way. We caught this early thank GOD. So Leah doesn’t have to go through this again, Leah has chosen to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction. We're in the process of searching for top surgeons now."
Yawn also used the moment to remind woman to be proactive in getting regular tests. "And, whatever helps women be proactive, post it!" she wrote.
Outpouring of support came in from friends and fans and Sandy thanked everyone for the well wishes.
“We are ever so grateful for and overwhelmed with all your prayers and well wishes. We love you all so much. Know that we are strengthened by the outpouring of love.” she stated.
Gettyimages | Bravo
She continued, "It’s through these times we really rely on FAITH and realize how amazing our love is~ Much Love to you all!"
The 'Below Deck' star has been traveling for work and reminded everyone, including Leah, that they will be strong in dealing with the issue.
"We will adjust to our new normal. We will come out strong. It’s going to be hard being apart for 7 weeks, but our love is the real deal, and I will come right home to Leah in Denver after work travel," she told fans.
Gettyimages | Bravo
The Bravo star, posted several video and photos of the couple and thanked everyone for their support.
"We are ever so grateful for and overwhelmed with all your prayers and well wishes. We love you all so much. Know that we are strengthened by the outpouring of love and that we remain extremely positive for the future." she concluded.
The couple started dating after Shafer reached out and congratulated her on the reality series.
“She sent me a nice message that said, ‘I came across your show, congratulations, many blessings,’” Yawn said in an interview.
