Robyn Coffin, who plays Cindy Herrmann in Chicago Fire, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is preparing for surgery.
The news was made public through a GoFundMe fundraiser organised by a friend and shared on Instagram by Coffin’s co-star Miranda Rae Mayo on Friday November 13.
“This beautiful and wonderful woman is in need of support. You may know her as Cindy Herrmann on our show. Any and everything helps,” Mayo wrote.
The fundraiser says Coffin has a medical team arranging her surgery, aftercare and recovery. It also names her husband, Grant, and supportive friends as potential caregivers during her treatment.
Coffin is due to undergo a right partial mastectomy with magseed localisation on December 3, followed by radiation. She has a pre-operative appointment on November 24, when doctors are expected to confirm whether the planned procedure can go ahead.
If the partial mastectomy proceeds, the fundraiser says Coffin expects to be unable to work for three weeks. A full mastectomy would require a considerably longer recovery.
The appeal says Coffin does not receive payment when she is unable to work and is intended to cover gaps left by insurance, as well as helping to support her and Grant during her absence. It estimates that surgery and hospital costs will amount to 40,000 dollars, with further money set aside for possible additional expenses.
Chicago Fire cast members Mayo and Hanako Greensmith have donated to the fundraiser, which has raised more than 15,000 dollars for Coffin and her family.
Coffin’s diagnosis comes several years after her character’s own cancer storyline on the drama. Cindy Herrmann was diagnosed with lung cancer during the show’s 11th season.
