Will likely be treated in Portland; hopes to continue to serve community
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news
Before the Ashland City Council even recited the Pledge of Allegiance at Tuesday evening’s business meeting, Councilor Stefani Seffinger announced that she’s been diagnosed with melanoma.
Seffinger, who said she has melanoma on her nose, said she’s seeking treatment in Portland. The city councilor said it’s difficult to be treated in the Rogue Valley in a way that is not disfiguring to her face.
“This is important as a community to advocate for the best medical care we can provide to our citizens,” Seffinger said. “I’ll let you know my story along the way — I hope it ends up with … a good answer.
Seffinger’s term is up at the end of this year, but she said she has hopes of continuing to serve. An Ashland resident since the 1970s, she was elected to the council in 2014 and reelected in 2018.
“I really love serving our community,” Seffinger said. “I want to continue on.”
She and Mayor Julie Akins shared a hug following her announcement and councilors offered words of encouragement.
“We’ll get through together,” Akins told Seffinger before starting the meeting. Only councilors, senior staff members, and a few others were present in the council chamber; other staff members and the public had access via Zoom, cable TV, or a webcast.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. It develops in the melanocytes or cells that produce melanin, the pigment that creates skin color.
Melanoma can be treated successfully if found early. For tips on how to detect symptoms or prevent the skin cancer, go online to mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884.
To view the meeting in its entirety, go to https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/w9sPsSE7vna3XTN_39bs1rEXjVWF0kfP/media/717977?fullscreen=false&showtabssearch=true&autostart=true.
Reach Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth by email at Ashland.news.
