WASHINGTON — Lesli Foster's smiling face will be missing from your television sets over the holidays, but have no fear -- it's only temporary!
Foster will be taking some time off to recover from two surgeries in two weeks, and plans to be back in the office in February 2022. WUSA9's anchor has several fractures in her left ankle that need to be fixed, requiring a bone graft and time to rest and recover.
While Foster had planned to be on air a few more days before she left for her December surgery, the universe had a different plan. Unfortunately, while trying to take a quick picture of her adorable pup, Boomer, Foster lost her balance and fell on her steps, fracturing her right wrist. The unexpected injury meant another surgery before her ankle surgery.
She'll be spending the next few months in physical therapy and rehabbing her wrist and ankle. When she's back in the office next year, Foster will rely on a scooter to get around.
"I just want to say thank you for all your love and support," Foster said. "The most important thing is just to wish you all a wonderful holiday season, a wonderful new year and I can't wait to see you back in the saddle. Bye now."
Foster says she will be keeping in touch with everyone on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and she appreciates any thoughts and well wishes you can send her way!
See Lesli's full message below:
"Now, to some personal “breaking” news. I was hoping to share it with you from the @wusa9 set. But the Universe had other plans. First, I will be taking some extended medical leave. I’m having a complicated procedure on my left ankle - the one in this delicate shoe. I have several fractures in that lovely ankle. It will require a bone graft and other treatment. I was going to report to you that I would be off starting this week for that surgery and returning in February. On a scooter for a few months. Long recovery.
But - last week, I had a fluke accident. I was trying to get a photo of Boomer, lost my balance and fell backward on the steps. To keep from doing more damage to my ankle or worse - I tried to break the fall with my arm. It worked. Perhaps, a bit too well. I fractured my wrist and am having surgery on Monday.
So I will be having two surgeries in two weeks, then learning how to walk again with months of physical therapy + rehabbing my wrist. On my dominant hand.
All that to say, I would appreciate your prayers and I promise to stay in touch, too.
As we all transition into a season of thanks and giving, I hope you are all intentional about listening to your body and slowing down a bit. That’s the lesson for me. Albeit a painful one.
Grateful for my family (esp. my hubby and daughter), friends, linesisters, Sorors, extended village and YOU for supporting me on this journey. Be well!"
RELATED: Lesli Foster | Weeknight Anchor