The Facts Of Life Star Charlotte Rae Facing Cancer For The Second Time At Age 91 -- Read Her Inspirational Words!

This is so sad — but her attitude is absolutely awe-inspiring!
Charlotte Rae, who played Edna Garrett first on Diff’rent Strokes and then for seven years on The Facts of Life, has just been diagnosed for the second time with cancer.
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In an interview with People, the beloved comedienne revealed the awful news:

“Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer. About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — which is a miracle that they found it because usually it’s too late. My mother, sister and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer-free. I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody even knew.”

But Charlotte hasn’t let illness cost her the pep in her step. She’s facing this new challenge bravely and openly. She explains:

“So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind. I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground. Now I have to figure out whether I want to go have treatment again to opt for life. I love life. I’ve had a wonderful one already. I have this decision to make.”

She already canceled her treatment once, wishing to mull it over some more.
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But she thinks she’s come to a decision now:

“I think I’m going to go for it. The side effects were not too bad when I did it originally. I’ve had a great life, but I have so many wonderful things happening. I’d like to chose life. I’m grateful for the life I’ve already had.”

Wow what an amazing way to look at things. And she wants all of us to share her view. She imparts:

“At 91, every day is a birthday… I want to tell everybody to celebrate every day, to savor the day and be good to yourself, love yourself, and then you can be good to others and be of service to others.”

What a wonderfully wise woman. No wonder they let her raise so many kids! Ha!
Wishing you all the best, Charlotte! We mean, Mrs. Garrett!

[Image via Brian To/WENN/NBC.]