Some very sad news out of Baton Rouge. 

Longtime WAFB Anchor Donna Britt says that she has been diagnosed with ALS. Despite the fact that she has a disease that will kill her, Britt says she's going to keep on working as an Anchor. 

“I plan to continue working until the quality of my work suffers,” Donna said.

Donna is currently using a wheelchair.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

“Donna is the heart and soul of our newsroom,” said WAFB News Director Robb Hays. “Our prayers are with her and we know that she takes great comfort in knowing the prayers of the entire community are also behind her.” 

“Just know that I am treating ALS as a part of living,” Donna said. “I won’t be dying every day. That’s not my way. You will survive longer if you meet each challenge, figure out how to cope, and keep going. It's kind of like surfing and not letting the waves take you out."

Britt began working at WAFB in January of 1981.

Here is her announcing her diagnoses of social media:

H/T WAFB