WASHINGTON — Fairfax County Chair Sharon Bulova will take some time off this month to undergo surgery to remove a portion of her thyroid.
Bulova announced the need for the outpatient procedure in a statement Monday and says that she’ll take advantage of the Board of Supervisors’ August recess to address a medical problem that has plagued her since March.
She says she has a nodule on the side of her thyroid that must be removed along with part of the gland.
Bulova struggled with a paralyzed vocal cord earlier this year, which affected her ability to talk. Although her voice has returned, additional testing detected the nodule.
“My office has declined a number of invitations for events that have been scheduled during this time period. I am sharing this information to explain my absence,” Bulova says in the statement.
She promises that she will be checking email and will be in contact with county staff.
“I look forward to being back in the saddle after the Labor Day holiday weekend,” Bulova says.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the thyroid gland creates a hormone that affects energy levels, temperature, weight and mood. Thyroid diseases are generally treatable and are common among women and aging adults.
Bulova has served as board chair since 2009.
