Cara Sapida Biography: Award-Winning WPXI-TV Reporter and Cancer Survivor
Cara Sapida is an award-winning journalist for WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, known not only for her reporting but also for her brave and open journey as a breast cancer survivor.
Early Life and Career:
A Pittsburgh native, Cara Sapida graduated from Woodland Hills High School and went on to earn a journalism degree from Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism, with minors in French and political science.
Her broadcasting career began at WOUB-TV in Athens, Ohio, where she worked as a reporter and anchor.
She then moved on to report for NBC-2 in Fort Myers, Florida, and served as an anchor/reporter for NBC25 in Hagerstown, Maryland, before joining the Channel 11 News team at WPXI-TV in April 2009.
Awards and Recognition:
Throughout her career, Sapida has been recognized for her journalistic achievements. She received an Edward R. Murrow award for Best Feature Story and an AP award for tornado coverage.
Cancer Journey and Advocacy:
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and a personal journey through divorce, Cara Sapida was diagnosed with Stage II triple-negative breast cancer with the BRCA1 gene.
Her initial diagnosis of Stage 0 proved incorrect, and she underwent chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.
Sapida openly shared her cancer journey, both on social media and through her work at WPXI-TV. She aimed to shed light on the realities of breast cancer, emphasizing that “breast cancer is not pink ribbons, it is an ugly disease.”
Her honesty and vulnerability resonated with many, and she became a powerful advocate for those navigating similar experiences.
Her personal battle inspired her to write a memoir, “Not the Breast Year of My Life: Finding Hope and Resilience After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis.”
The book, which became an overnight bestseller, offers a raw, heartfelt, and often humorous account of her journey, providing hope and relatability to readers, especially mothers, survivors, spouses, and caretakers.
Beyond Journalism:
Outside of her demanding career, Cara Sapida has an interest in culinary arts, having been a finalist in the 2010 Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest.
Age:
Cara Sapida was born on November 13, 1981, making her 43 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Cara Sapida was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she developed a passion for journalism early on.
She is the daughter of Michael Wright and Andrea Dusha, who supported her ambitions throughout her career.
While details about her siblings remain undisclosed, her upbringing in Pittsburgh played a significant role in shaping her professional journey.
Husband:
Cara Sapida was previously married to Scott Moffat. The couple separated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They have two children together: a son named Greyson and a daughter named Lilah.
Cara often shares moments from their lives on her social media, showcasing their activities, milestones, and the special bond they share as a family.
Greyson and Lilah seem to be a significant part of Cara’s life, and she frequently highlights her role as a dedicated mother.
Whether it’s celebrating birthdays, enjoying family outings, or simply spending quality time together, Cara’s posts reflect the joy and love she has for her children.
Height:
Cara Sapida stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall, with an estimated weight of 130–145 pounds (59–66 kg).
Her body measurements are likely around 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm), based on typical proportions for her height.
Career and Background:
Cara Sapida has built a notable career as a reporter. She currently works for WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she has been a part of the Channel 11 News team since April 2009.
Before joining WPXI, Cara worked as a reporter for NBC-2 in Fort Myers, Florida, and as an anchor/reporter for NBC25 in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Cara began her broadcasting career at WOUB-TV in Athens, Ohio, where she reported and anchored. Over the years, she has covered a wide range of stories, from community events to breaking news.
Her dedication to journalism has earned her several accolades, including an Edward R. Murrow award for Best Feature Story and an AP award for tornado coverage.
In addition to her work at WPXI, Cara also contributes to Yahoo News, providing national coverage on various topics.
Her reporting is known for its accuracy and timeliness, making her a trusted source of information for her viewers.
In addition to her professional achievements, Cara is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in 2020 and has since shared her journey to raise awareness and support others.
Cara Sapida has covered several notable stories during her career at WPXI-TV. Here are a few highlights:
- Breast Cancer Journey: Cara has been very open about her battle with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer. She shared her journey publicly to raise awareness and support others going through similar experiences.
- Tornado Coverage: Cara received an AP award for her coverage of a tornado, showcasing her ability to report on critical and urgent news events.
- Feature Stories: She has been recognized with an Edward R. Murrow award for Best Feature Story, highlighting her talent in creating compelling and impactful narratives.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cara reported on various aspects of the crisis, including its impact on local communities and healthcare systems.
- Community Stories: Cara often covers stories that highlight the resilience and strength of the Pittsburgh community, including human interest pieces and local events.
Here are some of Cara Sapida’s colleagues at WPXI-TV:
- David Johnson – News Anchor.
- Lisa Sylvester – News Anchor.
- Scott Harbaugh – Meteorologist.
- Trisha Pittman – Traffic Anchor.
- Gordon Loesch – Reporter.
- Susan Koeppen – Investigative Journalist.
WPXI-TV has a strong newsroom, with professionals dedicated to delivering impactful stories.
Cancer:
Cara Sapida, a reporter with WPXI in Pittsburgh, was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in 2020.
This type of breast cancer is known for being particularly aggressive and fast-growing. She discovered the lump while stretching after pulling a muscle at the gym.
Despite the challenges, including undergoing treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and managing her responsibilities as a mother, Cara has shown remarkable resilience.
She underwent chemotherapy, participated in an immunotherapy drug trial, and had a double mastectomy. As of now, she is cancer-free.
Cara has been open about her journey, using her platform to raise awareness and support others facing similar battles.
She even wrote a book titled “Not the Breast Year of My Life” to share her experiences.
Cara Sapida’s cancer journey had a profound impact on her reporting in several ways:
- Increased Empathy and Relatability: Cara’s personal experience with cancer allowed her to connect more deeply with her audience. She shared her journey openly, which resonated with many viewers and helped raise awareness about breast cancer.
- Raising Awareness: Cara used her platform to educate others about breast cancer, encouraging women to get regular screenings and be vigilant about their health. Her transparency inspired many to take proactive steps in their own health journeys.
- Human Interest Stories: Her experience gave her a unique perspective on human interest stories, particularly those involving health and personal struggles. She could relate to the challenges faced by others and tell their stories with greater sensitivity and understanding.
- Advocacy and Support: Cara became an advocate for cancer awareness and support, using her reporting to highlight resources and support systems available to those affected by cancer.
- Personal Strength and Resilience: Her journey showcased her strength and resilience, which inspired many. Despite the challenges, she continued to work and share her story, demonstrating the power of perseverance.
Cara’s experience with cancer not only shaped her as a person but also enriched her reporting, making her stories more impactful and heartfelt.
Balancing work and motherhood during cancer treatment is incredibly challenging, and Cara Sapida managed it with remarkable resilience and support.
Here are some ways she navigated this difficult period:
- Support System: Cara relied heavily on her support network, including family, friends, and colleagues. This support was crucial in helping her manage daily responsibilities and care for her children, Greyson and Lilah.
- Work Adjustments: WPXI-TV provided Cara with the flexibility she needed during her treatment. This included adjusting her work schedule and allowing her to take time off when necessary.
- Open Communication: Cara was transparent with her children about her illness, helping them understand the situation and preparing them for the changes in their routine.
- Self-Care: Despite her busy schedule, Cara made sure to prioritize her health and well-being. This included following her treatment plan diligently and taking time to rest and recover.
- Community Support: The Pittsburgh community, including viewers and colleagues, offered tremendous support and encouragement, which helped Cara stay positive and motivated.
Net Worth and Salary:
Cara Sapida has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her successful career in journalism, spanning over a decade at WPXI-TV and previous roles at NBC-2 and NBC25.
Regarding her earnings, she receives an annual salary between $60,000 and $130,000. This aligns with industry standards for experienced reporters in major news markets.
Is Cara Sapida Married?
Cara is a single mother of two children, Greyson and Lilah. She was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in 2020 but is now cancer-free after undergoing treatment.
How Old Is Cara Sapida?
Cara Sapida was born on November 13, 1981, making her 43 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Cara Sapida Working?
Cara Sapida continues to work at WPXI-TV as a television news reporter. She continues to be an active reporter, covering various stories in Pittsburgh.
Recently, Cara Sapida has reported on topics ranging from local events to significant news stories.
Additionally, she remains an active and vital member of the WPXI news team, contributing to the station’s coverage of important local and regional news stories.
Cara Sapida is active on several social media platforms. Here are her main accounts:
She often shares updates about her work, personal life, and her journey with breast cancer.
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