Five years after Jovita Moore’s death, her fight against brain cancer is helping others

ATLANTA — Five years after the death of beloved Channel 2 Action News anchor Jovita Moore, her legacy continues to make a difference for Georgia families facing brain cancer.

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Moore died in 2021 after a seven-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Her former surgeon, Dr. Edjah Nduom, director of the Winship Brain Tumor Center at Emory University, said he still remembers the bravery she showed throughout her fight.

“I’ll never forget the bravery that she showed,” Nduom said.

Nduom told Channel 2’s Jorge Estevez that Moore’s story continues to inspire patients seeking treatment.

“There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t have a patient that comes by to see me who says, ‘Hey, I came to see you because I heard you took care of Jovita,’” Nduom said.

He said it is humbling to know people still remember Moore that way, years after her death.

Moore also leaves behind two children.

Her legacy is even helping advance brain tumor research. Moore donated part of her tumor, and Nduom said researchers have been using samples like hers to improve how quickly doctors can identify tumors during surgery.

That work could help doctors determine treatment sooner and improve outcomes for patients.

Nduom also helped lead the creation of the Winship Brain Tumor Center at Emory University last year. The center brings together specialists who provide care ranging from surgery and radiation to rehabilitation.

Nduom said keeping treatment and rehabilitation close to home can make a difference for patients and their families.

Glioblastoma is a rare cancer that affects about three in every 100,000 people, according to the information provided by Nduom.

Five years after losing Moore, her colleagues, loved ones and the medical team who cared for her continue to honor her memory through efforts to improve care for others facing the disease.