Author Chris Monroe Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

The longtime Duluth illustrator and author is preparing for surgery following a recent breast cancer diagnosis.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Cancer

Author Chris Monroe Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Duluth-based author and illustrator Chris Monroe has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The medical news comes 16 years after she received her initial diagnosis.

Why it matters

The diagnosis impacts a creative figure known for her extensive body of work, including a long-running comic strip and various children's books. Community members have since launched a fundraising effort to assist with her medical and living expenses.

Monroe produced the comic strip Violet Days for 22 years and has authored 12 children's books over a 30-year career. She returned to her home in Duluth in 1998 after spending 18 years living in the Twin Cities.

The players

Chris Monroe

She is a Duluth-based author and illustrator who created the comic strip Violet Days and wrote 12 children's books.

Hally Sharrow

She is the individual who created a GoFundMe page to help cover the medical and living expenses for Monroe.

The details

Monroe continues to manage multiple creative projects, including the development of an early-reader graphic novel, as she prepares for her upcoming medical procedure. Hally Sharrow has established a GoFundMe page to support the artist as she pauses her work to focus on healing.

Monroe lived in the Twin Cities for 18 years before returning to Duluth in 1998.
She received her initial breast cancer diagnosis 16 years ago.
Monroe is scheduled to undergo surgery this week.

The Big Picture

This diagnosis follows the patterns of long-term survivorship and secondary health monitoring established by the American Cancer Society's breast cancer recurrence protocols. It highlights the continued medical risks faced by survivors decades after their initial treatment.

This news highlights the importance of long-term screening and monitoring for breast cancer survivors who are years removed from their initial diagnosis. Residents interested in supporting the local author can contribute to the community-led fundraiser for her recovery expenses.

The takeaway

Monroe's experience serves as a reminder that cancer can re-emerge long after a patient initially recovers. Prioritizing consistent medical check-ups and maintaining a strong community support network remains essential for those managing long-term health conditions.