NBC 5's JC Navarrete steps away for kidney cancer surgery

What they're saying: "I'm comfortable in sharing such an intimate moment with my family because I know there is strength in sharing," Navarette said in the video.

Zoom in: The reporter says he was diagnosed in May and that he was having surgery on Tuesday.

Zoom out: He joined NBC 5 in 2022 and recently moved into a reporter role on 5, 6 and 10pm newscasts, covering recent immigration raids and protests.

• The 33-year-old was born in El Paso, Texas, and worked in his hometown before coming to Chicago.
• "We join JC's family, friends, and countless supporters in wishing him strength and comfort during this time," NBC 5's senior vice president for news Sally Ramirez tells Axios in a statement. "We deeply admire his courage and resilience throughout his battle, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he's ready to return."

What's next: It's unclear how long Navarette will be sidelined for recovery, but he said he would be off-air for a few weeks.