Jovita Moore Passes Away At The Age Of 54
- Beloved Atlanta television anchor Jovita Moore passed away at the age of 54 after a brave battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.
- Moore joined Channel 2 Action News in 1998 and is survived by “her mother, her two wonderful children, and stepdaughter, who she called the most important accomplishments of her life.”
- There is no cure and few treatment options at this time for the aggressive form of brain cancer, which in recent years has claimed the lives of former senators John McCain and Edward “Ted” Kennedy as well as and President Bien’s son Beau Biden.
Her friends and family at Channel 2 in Atlanta shared the heartbreaking news while being the first of many to praise the career of their remarkable co-worker.
Read More“This is a hard update to share with you all. Our friend Jovita has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma,” read a message on Moore’s Facebook in July.
“You all are a part of her family, and as such, she wanted us to share this information and a message from her with all of you. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support. It gives her more strength than you can imagine. Jovita asks that you keep sending the prayers and positivity her way as she fights this battle.”
Moore did not give up the fight at any point, undergoing radiation and chemotherapy to slow the cancer's growth right after her diagnosis.
There is still no cure and few treatment options for the aggressive form of brain cancer, which in recent years has claimed the lives of former senators John McCain and Edward “Ted” Kennedy and President Bien’s son Beau Biden.
Moore’s legacy will live on for decades to come, but as her Channel 2 family notes, it was her spirit that truly made her stand out.
“Her awards and accolades are endless, but for those of us here at Channel 2, her heart and her spirit are what our newsroom was built around. Please join us in saying a prayer for her beautiful children and her mother.”
Prominent members of the Atlanta and news media communities soon began sharing their own tributes to the legendary newscaster.
“Today, we mourn the passing of @jovitamoore, who used her voice and platform to highlight important issues impacting Atlantans for more than 20 years. May God bless her family, loved ones, and @wsbtv colleagues in their time of grief,” wrote political strategist and romance novelist Stacey Abrams.
“I will miss you, Jovita. Rest, sister,” said Bernice King on Twitter.
The daughter of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr also shared photos of herself with Moore over the years.
“My heart goes out to Jovita's family. She was a tremendous blessing to metro Atlanta and the world, but her family was most precious to her,” wrote King. “Praying for those closest to her, including her beloved @wsbtv community. A well-lived life.”
Through the years…#JovitaStrong pic.twitter.com/jRZNZU692V
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) October 29, 2021
“Derek, my entire family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Jovita Moore. Jovita was a wonderful mother, daughter, and dear friend to many. Even those who did not know her personally felt a deep and personal connection to Jovita. She loved Atlanta dearly,” said Atlanta Mayor Kesha Lance Bottoms in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her children Lauren, Shelby and Joshua, her mother, and all who loved her. May her beautiful spirit soar. Jovita will be truly missed."
Also paying their respects was Atlanta’s unofficial mayor, Tyler Perry.
“Jovita Moore We know you fought with all you had! I will miss your beautiful smile and warm laughter, let alone seeing you in my living room everyday,” wrote Perry on Twitter. “You will be missed greatly my friend. Many heartfelt prayers to your family. May your soul travel well! Life is but a moment.”
How Jovita Moore And Others Battle Glioblastoma
Jovita Moore is one of the many people who despite a brave fight could not conquer glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
But Dr. Henry Friedman, neuro-oncologist Duke Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview there is hope. Dr. Friedman is a top brain researcher in the U.S., as well as a neuro-oncologist.
Dr. Friedman and his Duke colleagues are investigating a new therapy that combines the modified poliovirus and immunotherapy to treat glioblastoma. "The modified poliovirus is used to treat this tumor by injecting it directly into the tumor, through a catheter. It is designed to lyse the tumor and cause the tumor cells to basically break up,” he told SurvivorNet.
Related: Could a New Treatment Have Saved John McCain? Fighting Brain Cancer With Electric Fields
"I think that the modified poliovirus is going to be a game-changer in glioblastoma,” explained Dr. Friedman, “but I should also say that its reach is now extending into melanoma soon to bladder cancer.”
"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Understanding the Standard of Care for GBM
The standard of care treatment for a GBM patient usually consists of a surgical resection followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
A neurosurgeon will try to take out as much of the tumor as possible without causing any damage to critical brain structures. Depending on the location of a patient's tumor, sometimes the surgeon can remove the entire tumor. In contrast, in other situations, the surgeon can only remove a portion of the cancer. The goal, in both cases, is to remove the tumor in the safest way. After surgery, patients get time to heal and regain their strength, usually during four to six weeks of recovery.
The next step is to start radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Most patients who need radiation therapy will have external beam radiation therapy, which is usually given every day (Monday – Friday) for six weeks, for a total of 30 treatments. Chemotherapy consists of a drug called temozolomide (also called Temodar) that is given daily with radiation. Unlike other chemotherapies, Temodar is a pill that is taken daily and does not require an IV or port placement. After radiation, patients will get additional chemotherapy using Temodar for six months or more, depending on how they tolerate the medication.
Related: Fighting Brain Cancer With Electric Fields What is Optune?
Some physicians may also use a device called Optune, which goes on a patient's head. Several electrodes are attached to the patient's scalp to deliver an alternating electrical current. While patients do not feel this current, the Optune device improved survival and slowed tumor growth in studies. However, it's not for everyone. Patients who use Optune will need to shave their heads and wear the device for most of the day, so it's essential to discuss with your doctor whether or not it's a good fit for you.
Another standard of care option is to enroll in a clinical trial.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
