WEBSTER CITY — Calyn Thompson was quite young when she learned she had breast cancer.

“I was 28 years old when I got my diagnosis in November of 2022,” she said recently.

“I found a lump that caused me to go to the doctor to get it checked out. I underwent six rounds of chemotherapy last winter before having surgery in May of 2023. After surgery, scans showed no evidence of disease, so I am considered cancer-free.

“I completed immunotherapy for a year and am currently on a hormone therapy drug for at least the next five years.”

To television viewers in Iowa, Thompson’s name is likely familiar. She co-anchors “Today in Iowa,” the weekday morning newscast on WHOTV-13.

She will talk about her breast cancer journey, and the faith that is helping her through it, when she headlines the annual Lenten Luncheon on March 14 in Webster City.

A catered lunch will be served at noon at Asbury United Methodist Church, 921 Des Moines St. The deadline to reserve a space for this luncheon is March 5.

Thompson’s message is titled “Faith, Hope, Family — Surviving Breast Cancer.”

Previously, she reported on her experience during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is every October, in a series titled “Surviving Breast Cancer.” You can find those stories here: https://who13.com/news/surviving-breast-cancer.

The meal cost is $12. Attendees can pay that in advance at their respective churches, or sign up at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1229 Kathy Lane, during office hours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Webster City restaurant Leon’s will be catering bacon-wrapped chicken breast with cheesy potatoes, green beans, roll, and lemonade. Bars and coffee will be provided. Guests with special dietary needs should note that when they register.

Thompson is a native of Norwalk who graduated from Wartburg College in 2017. She joined the WHO 13 News team in November of 2020 following her start with KIMT News 3 in Rochester, Minnesota. She’s been recognized by the Iowa Broadcast News Association and Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists for her reporting work.

For more information contact Loween Getter at 515-297-0846.