Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley will be stepping back from public events and meetings over the next couple of weeks, as the South County representative recovers from a pair of procedures for skin cancer treatment on her face.
“Unfortunately, I once again must undergo two separate Mohs surgeries for basal cell carcinoma on my lip and nose from sun exposure. To focus on recovery, I plan to refrain from community events and public meetings throughout the next few weeks, including the April 9 Board of Supervisors meeting,” Supervisor Foley said in a statement. “In between these two outpatient procedures and during their recovery periods, I will work from home. Our District 5 Office and staff remain open and available to assist residents and local businesses.”
Foley underwent her first procedure on April 2 and a second procedure on April 16.
Foley was absent from the regularly scheduled Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 9. She was tapped to lead the Pledge of Allegiance for the meeting, but Board Chairman Donald Wagner stepped up in her place. Wagner also took a moment to acknowledge Foley’s absence and public diagnosis announcement.
“In particular, I wanted to take the opportunity to mention Supervisor Foley. She is out with … a skin cancer diagnosis and some treatment. Something that my family has also gone through,” Wagner said. “It is a word to the wise, a bit of a warning, take care out there. This is a treatable illness caught early. Even better, never get it. Wear sunscreen. Protect yourselves.”
As spring warms up and summer approaches, Foley also made sure to emphasize balancing the outdoor activities with skin care and safety.
“Like many Southern California teens, I loved spending days at the beach and by the pool, unaware of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen. I encourage everyone, especially our youth, to wear sunscreen and cover up when having fun under the sun. You won’t regret wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat,” Supervisor Foley said in her statement. “These latest procedures underscore the importance of skin cancer prevention as part of regular health checkups with your doctor or dermatologist. Fortunately, Orange County is home to world-class cancer prevention, research, and treatment.”
Foley also provided links of information on how to spot signs of skin cancer and protect and prevent yourself from overexposure. Information can be found at health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/cancer/take-steps-prevent-skin-cancer.
Foley has represented Orange County on the Board of Supervisors since winning a special election for the Second District in 2021. Foley then won reelection in 2022 in a newly redrawn Fifth District that included San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano along with Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, a portion of Irvine and some unincorporated areas including Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Coto de Caza and Emerald Bay.
Foley is also a regular contributor to Picket Fence Media with a monthly column, “The Foley Report.”