“I love my business, and I love the news,” longtime KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen, who has undergone a series of operations to minimize the presence of persistent brain tumors, said in a recent interview with Eric Johnson, KOMO’s sports director.

“Some days, it’s easier than others. Some days, I feel good. And you know, I feel I could conquer the world.  Some days it’s just enough to put one foot in front of the other, and make a step forward. And not to give up,” Goertzen told Johnson, discussing her will to work as she copes with the effects of numerous brain surgeries.  Video inside… Read more

As part of Seattle’s annual “Best of Western Washington” awards, KING‘s “Evening Magazine” has named Kathi Goertzen, an anchor at rival station KOMO, “Woman of the Year.”

For the past decade, Goertzen has publicly struggled with a benign brain tumor that has left her unable to anchor daily newscasts. Instead, she continues to work at KOMO in a variety of other roles, from special interviews to production work.

Although Goertzen’s facial nerves were recently compromised, her sense of humor remains intact. When “Evening Magazine” host Meeghan Black presented Goertzen with the award, the longtime KOMO anchor said she would display it next to another one of her prized awards.

“The one I have on my desk is ‘Newscaster You’d Most Like To See Naked,’” Goertzen quipped. “I have that one on my desk. This will go right next to it.” Video inside. Read more

KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen, who Seattle viewers are starting to see more regularly as she recovers from an ongoing battle with a benign brain tumor, sat down this weekend with Ted Koppel (watch the video, above).

Koppel, in town to accept the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcast Journalism, told Goertzen that he may never retire. “I’m afraid it’s part of my DNA,” he said.

KOMO‘s Kathi Goertzen, who has been battling a brain tumor that has drastically altered her career, recently sat down with ABC News’ Bob Woodruff and discussed what it’s like to overcome an unexpected affliction.

“Bob’s injuries are no longer physical. While his head was torn open by shrapnel, mine has been torn by a relentless brain tumor,” Goertzen said. “While the physical result for me has been a half-frozen face and a constant battle, Bob thinks our ability to change ties us together” (video above). Read more

Veteran KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen is back in the hospital this week, continuing an ongoing 11-year battle with a benign brain tumor.

Goertzen, who has been with the Seattle ABC affiliate for more than 30 years, writes on her Facebook page that she has returned to the hospital with an infection from her last surgery. “I swear I’m ready to slug the next person who pokes around in my head!” Goertzen writes. “That is until I take a walk around the nearby oncology ward. Then I remember. It’s not so bad.”

Goertzen’s Facebook page has seen an outpouring of well-wishes from her nearly 70,000 fans. Her co-anchor, Dan Lewis, reported this week on his Facebook page that Goertzen’s tumor is not growing — but asked for fans to “say a few prayers for Kathi.”

Longtime KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen, who is recovering from a brain operation performed in February, had an unexpected medical setback last week. Goertzen’s beloved dog Oliver yanked her to the ground and she tore her rotator cuff.

Goertzen posted this message to her Facebook page about the incident:

Well, my nice dog Oliver went after a dog as I was getting in my girlfriend’s car. He pulled the retractable (I know) leash. It pulled me down on the ground. Now, I can’t lift my arm and I have a torn rotator cuff! At least it wasn’t my head.

Goertzen, who is on leave from KOMO, has been courageously battling a brain tumor for the past 11 years. Last month’s surgery was an effort to reduce the size of the tumor while also trying to save her weakened facial nerve, which has caused Goertzen to lose control of much of her face.

Oliver appeared in a recent KOMO segment about Goertzen’s battle. Video inside… Read more

Longtime KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen, who had to return to the hospital last week after a setback following her brain surgery, is now resting at home.

Goertzen was able to leave the hospital on Tuesday and the following was posted to her Facebook page:

Kathi is going home from the hospital today! She has been back in the hospital for several days while doctors treated an infection that developed after the surgery. They have successfully done that and are letting her go home. It goes without saying that she’s thrilled to be going home. She’s sick of being in the hospital!

Goertzen underwent a 10-hour brain operation on February 2nd to remove parts of a tumor, which she has been battling for the past 11 years. She initially returned home on February 5th, following the surgery, but has been back in the hospital since February 8th. Read more

“Our dear friend and colleague Kathi Goertzen had a bit of a setback as she recovers from recent brain surgery,” Seattle’s KOMO announced on Tuesday as the veteran anchor returned to the hospital for monitoring.

Goertzen has been battling a benign brain tumor for the past 11 years and underwent brain surgery last Wednesday to remove parts of the tumor.  She returned home on Saturday but now she is back in the hospital as doctors want to ensure that she is healing properly.

“I plan on beating this thing into submission,” Goertzen wrote on her Facebook page last night. “It’ll take a couple more days with my friends here in the hospital though.”

Over 60,000 people have now connected with Goertzen on Facebook.  She launched the page last week in order to keep people updated on her progress.  She has been overwhelmed by the support she’s received so far and has said that its a key part of her recovery. Read more

KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen returned home over the weekend as she continues to recover from the 10-hour brain surgery she underwent last Wednesday.

“Surrounded with love from daughters, sisters, mom and dad, husband, neighbors and friends, I’m getting better everyday,” Goertzen posted on her Facebook page, which has been Liked by nearly 60,000.

Goertzen, who has been with KOMO since 1980, has been battling a benign brain tumor for the past 11 years.  She has recently been working off-air as the tumor affected her facial nerve, causing her to lose control of much of her face.

Unfortunately doctors were unable to save Goertzen’s facial nerve during last week’s surgery and they believe that the tumor cells will likely grow back.

“Kathi, one way or another, will always have a role at KOMO,” Holly Gauntt, the station’s news director told The Seattle Times. “She is a unique reporter.”

“Kathi has been reading your Facebook posts today and is overwhelmed by your outpouring of love and prayers!” reads a new post on the Facebook page of KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen, who underwent brain surgery on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Goertzen set up a Facebook page to keep Seattle viewers updated on her progress as she continued her 11-year battle with a benign brain tumor.  As of Friday morning, over 52,000 people have connected with her on Facebook, offering their thoughts and prayers.

Goertzen is currently recovering from a 10-hour procedure to remove parts of the tumor that had been affecting her facial nerve, causing her to lose control of much of her face.

While Goertzen is now speaking and in good spirits, the outcome of the surgery was not entirely positive.  According to KOMO, doctors were unable to save the facial nerve and they believe that the cancer cells will likely grow back. Read more