Chicago Fire actress Robyn Coffin is expected to undergo surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Robyn has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Terrible news,” a statement on her GoFundMe page read. “The good news – she has a crack team at the hospital organizing and planning her surgery and aftercare and recovery.”
Coffin set up the fundraising page with friend Gianine DeFrancesco in hopes of supporting the actress through her upcoming operation and recovery. An initial fundraising goal has been set at $75,000, with more than $15,000 already raised as of publication.
“When Robyn doesn’t work, she doesn’t get paid,” DeFrancesco clarfied via GoFundMe. “So, this go fund me is not only to fill in the gaps that insurance will surely leave, but also to help sustain Robyn and [her husband] Grant while Robyn is off work. Thank goodness they have insurance, but let’s not get cocky – let’s give them a nest egg because we know there will be surprises.”
Coffin is expected to have a right partial mastectomy with magseed localization on December 3, followed by a course of radiation. First, she will meet with her care team on November 24 to make a final decision on whether a partial or full mastectomy will be the best treatment option.
“If that visit results in affirming the right partial mastectomy, Robyn is expecting to be out of work for 3 weeks,” DeFrancesco explained. “If a full mastectomy is required, Robyn’s time off work will increase quite a bit, as the surgery is much more extensive.”
Fans were assured in the fundraising appeal that Coffin will be able to count on her “husband Grant and supportive friends [as] wonderful caregivers.”
“We know that with insurance the surgery and hospital bill will amount to $40k. Because the surgery is hard upon, this amount is most urgent. The balance is for said surprises: a longer recovery period (see not working), medicine off the plan or not fully covered, or whatever is thrown at them,” DeFrancesco noted. “So, Village – thank you in advance for embracing Robyn with love and support. We’ve got her!”
Coffin’s Chicago Fire costar Miranda Rae Mayo shared a link via Instagram to the GoFundMe page to encourage donations, writing, “This beautiful and wonderful woman is in need of support. You may know her as Cindy Herrmann on our show. Any and everything helps.”
Mayo, 36, and fellow Chicago Fire cast member Hanako Greensmith — who play Stella Kidd and Violet Mikami, respectively — personally donated to help fund Coffin’s treatment.
Coffin is best known for playing Captain Christopher Herrmann‘s (David Eigenberg) wife Cindy Hermann on NBC’s long-running procedural hit Chicago Fire, having recurred or guest starred in each of the show’s 15 seasons. (The character also crossed over to Chicago Med for a 2016 episode.)
Having appeared in more than 60 episodes of Chicago Fire, Cindy’s most memorable story line involved her being diagnosed with lung cancer in season 11. Cindy underwent a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and radiation treatments before being declared cancer-free at the end of the season.
Coffin has also made supporting appearances on many hit shows throughout her career, including Empire and Under Covers.
