Hallmark director and actress Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe has received a diagnosis of stage III breast cancer.
“In February of 2025, as I was getting ready for the day, I discovered a sizeable lump in my right breast. In that instant, everything else seemed to fade away,” Lowe, 44, articulated in a People essay published on Friday, October 10. “Initially, I assumed it was a muscle strain from exercising. To be cautious, I went to my doctor, who then arranged for a mammogram and a guided ultrasound, but nothing surfaced at that time.”
However, after several months, Lowe revisited her doctor due to a persistent mass, now measuring 10 centimeters and altering in size and position.
“I was quickly scheduled for a blind biopsy. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor gently took my arm and mentioned, ‘Honey, while I can’t say for sure, this could be cancer,’” Lowe recounted, noting her role in Hallmark’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered franchise. “Three days following that, my general practitioner called with the news that I had invasive carcinoma in one of my ducts. I distinctly remember hanging up, curling up, and crying my heart out.”
Following the diagnosis, Lowe began a series of chemotherapy treatments to reduce the tumor’s size before considering surgical removal.
“This experience has been terrifying, unusual, and enlightening. It has stripped me down in ways I never anticipated, physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” Lowe stated. “Still, I vow to be resilient. To transform poison into healing. I’m learning to grow through this every day.”
She expressed, “If you too are facing a difficult journey, remember that you are not alone. We may not have control over what happens to us, but we can decide how we respond. I am choosing to meet this challenge with my sword raised, heart wide open, and taking it one step at a time.”
Throughout this challenging period, Lowe has leaned on her close family and friends for support and encouragement.
“I’m lucky to be surrounded by an abundance of love and support. My husband and family have been my solid ground,” Lowe wrote about her spouse Miko Tomasevich, with whom she shares two children. “And my friends? They’ve enveloped me with care—visiting, checking on me, tidying my home, and organizing a wonderful meal train that nourishes both my body and spirit.”
Lowe expressed gratitude for her Hollywood peers, including fellow Hallmark star Alison Sweeney, with whom she often collaborates on the popular Hannah Swensen series.
“Alison Sweeney and Craig Baumgarten have adjusted their schedules so I can step in to direct the next project post-treatment,” Lowe mentioned. “Jeff Schenck of Hybrid Entertainment generously purchased my wigs and even offered unlimited rides to all my appointments. And as for Hallmark: I have never appreciated being part of a community that embodies the values they uphold. I am immensely grateful.”
She added, “Hollywood often faces criticism, but when you collaborate with those who care for you, they truly show up.”
A spokesperson for Hallmark later conveyed a supportive message.
“At @hallmarkchannel, we embody family and look after our own. Crystal, our initial Make Her Mark director mentee, will continue to direct movies and episodes for [our] series,” an Instagram statement affirmed. “She has our unwavering support as she conquers this illness. Please send her your good wishes and prayers. We believe in her strength, and we are here for her!”
