Ana María Polo, the Cuban-American lawyer and host of Caso Cerrado, announced on Instagram that she will undergo surgery on her vocal cords, and asked her millions of followers to pray for her before she enters the operating room.
In a video recorded without makeup and with a very personal tone, Polo explained the reason for the surgery: "Tomorrow, March 20, I'm going to have vocal cord surgery. As you may have noticed, I'm a bit hoarse. The doctor told me that's very typical for people like me who talk a lot."
The presenter, who has 23 million followers on Facebook, directed her message straight to that community: "To each of those 23 million followers and friends I have around this world, I ask for a prayer, because without my voice... What can I do?"
The video accumulated 300,000 views and thousands of supportive comments within just a few hours, reflecting the deep connection Polo has with his Latin audience around the world.
In the message, the host also took the opportunity to correct a common mistake among her followers regarding her age: "I will be turning 67 this year, but I feel good, I have good energy, and I'm always considering many lovely projects that come my way."
Polo also reflected on the impact of his journey: "It has been many years listening to stories, analyzing conflicts, seeking justice, and trying to contribute a little to help people reflect on their own lives."
The Cuban added, "When I travel, no matter the country or place I’m in, someone approaches me with a smile and says, Dr. Polo, I grew up watching you."
Born in Havana in 1959, Polo emigrated with her family to Puerto Rico in the 1960s fleeing the Castro regime and later settled in Miami, where she studied Law.
This is not the first time that Polo has faced a health challenge with public fortitude. She is an ambassador in the fight against breast cancer and collaborates with Susan G. Komen to promote mammograms in the Latin community.
Today's operation represents a critical step in preserving the most iconic tool of her career. Polo has expressed willingness to resume Caso Cerrado if the ideal conditions were to be met.
"Help me. Pray for me to continue shouting, speaking, raising my voice for justice and asserting our worth everywhere in the world," the host pleaded at the close of her message.
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