Leslie Mouton is the morning and noon anchor at KSAT 12, the ABC affiliate in San Antonio, Texas. She has covered many stories in her career, but perhaps the most important story was her own.
In October of 2000, at the young age of 35, Leslie discovered a lump on her left breast during a monthly self-exam. It turned out to be an aggressive form of breast cancer. While her first instinct was to hide it, she decided instead to face it, share it, and try to help others through her own experience. Leslie shared her story with viewers every step of the way. She did news stories on everything from the diagnosis and surgery, to chemo and hair loss, and even radiation. She made the ultimate statement in support of cancer patients, by anchoring one newscast without her wig. She did it to show people the reality of cancer, to inspire other women losing their hair, and hopefully ease the fear of being bald.
That decision gained national, even international attention. She was a guest on Oprah, Good Morning America and the Today Show. Prime Time did a featured piece on her, as did Inside Edition and PBS. Stories were written in newspapers from New York to Turkey, and she shared her story in The Breast Cancer Book of Strength and Courage. Each chapter was written by a survivor. Leslie's story was Chapter One "Bless Me Lord and My Bald Head Too!"
She has received numerous awards including, The Congressional Action for Cancer Awareness Award, The Headliners Award, The Heart and Soul Award, Women in Communications Media Award and was named one of The Texas Jaycees "Ten Most Outstanding Young Texans."
Leslie is married to retired Air Force Pilot Major Tony "Maddog" Mattox, and they have one daughter, Nicole Danielle Mattox.
In October of 2000, at the young age of 35, Leslie discovered a lump on her left breast during a monthly self-exam. It turned out to be an aggressive form of breast cancer. While her first instinct was to hide it, she decided instead to face it, share it, and try to help others through her own experience. Leslie shared her story with viewers every step of the way. She did news stories on everything from the diagnosis and surgery, to chemo and hair loss, and even radiation. She made the ultimate statement in support of cancer patients, by anchoring one newscast without her wig. She did it to show people the reality of cancer, to inspire other women losing their hair, and hopefully ease the fear of being bald.
That decision gained national, even international attention. She was a guest on Oprah, Good Morning America and the Today Show. Prime Time did a featured piece on her, as did Inside Edition and PBS. Stories were written in newspapers from New York to Turkey, and she shared her story in The Breast Cancer Book of Strength and Courage. Each chapter was written by a survivor. Leslie's story was Chapter One "Bless Me Lord and My Bald Head Too!"
She has received numerous awards including, The Congressional Action for Cancer Awareness Award, The Headliners Award, The Heart and Soul Award, Women in Communications Media Award and was named one of The Texas Jaycees "Ten Most Outstanding Young Texans."
Leslie is married to retired Air Force Pilot Major Tony "Maddog" Mattox, and they have one daughter, Nicole Danielle Mattox.
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It's All About Attitude
Leslie's presentation begins with a video of the story Primetime 20/20 did on her to familiarize the audience with her story. That 20/20 story started the massive media attention she began to receive when she started her awareness campaign by being the first anchor (who was fighting breast cancer) to boldly do an on-air broadcast with no hair. That one step started a battle that she fought and won in a very public way. She was a guest on Oprah, Good Morning America and The Today Show. Her openness with her battle also accelerated the public dialogue about breast cancer prevention and cures that continues today. In her presentation, she discusses dealing with adversity with a positive attitude and finding the blessings in even the seemingly most difficult times of your life. It's mixed with emotion and laughs, hard truths and self exploration! |
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