The Young and the Restless' Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) has dealt with a lot of problems during her turbulent life in Genoa City, but her current health issues may prove to be one of her toughest challenges yet. In a breast cancer awareness storyline that officially kicks off today, Sharon will begin a compelling and emotional journey of trying to survive a breast cancer diagnosis. Y&R has partnered with the American Cancer Society and CBS Cares for the vitally important storyline, and today's extended episode arc will be followed by a public service announcement (PSA) focusing on early detection of the disease that affects one in eight women.
In the storyline, Sharon shares with her boyfriend, Rey Rosales (Jordi Vilasuso), that she has breast cancer. He accompanies her to meet with an oncologist to begin the process of learning more about her diagnosis and treatment. In the coming weeks, Sharon will heavily rely on the support of her family and friends to help her stay positive.
"The Young and the Restless has always tackled important social issues within the show's rich storytelling," says co-executive producer and head writer Josh Griffith via an official press release. "From AIDS and alcoholism to drunk driving and domestic abuse, we've consistently tried to focus on the human condition in an open and honest manner. We're proud to be joining with the American Cancer Society to deliver this important message about breast cancer awareness."
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is attacking cancer from every angle. For more information, go to www.cancer.org.
CBS Cares multi-award-winning PSA campaigns usually feature talent from CBS entertainment, news, and sports programming to bring awareness about important social topics to over 175 million viewers each year. The PSAs have addressed a number of causes, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, alcohol abuse, Alzheimer's disease, the arts, autism, bipolar disorder, child abduction, children's health, colon cancer, depression, disaster relief, diversity/tolerance, drug abuse, education, empowerment of women and girls, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, Holocaust remembrance, identity theft, menopause, mentoring, obesity, parenting, post-traumatic stress disorder, prostate cancer, schizophrenia, suicide prevention, violence prevention (including spousal and child abuse), and the V-chip. To learn more about CBS Cares, visitcbscares.tv, and to watch Y&R's breasts cancer awareness PSA online, visit www.CBSCares.com.
As CBS soap fans may know, The Bold and the Beautiful recently teamed with the National Kidney Foundation for a dramatic storyline in which Katie Logan (Heather Tom) almost died. The storyline was penned in an effort to help raise awareness of kidney disease.
How do you feel about Y&R teaming up with the American Cancer Society to tell an emotional storyline about Sharon's health? How would you like to see the show handle this breast cancer awareness storyline? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
