DAYTON — UPDATE @ 11:45 a.m. (March 14):
Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini is taking the next step to returning fully to News Center 7 newscasts starting Monday.
Zontini will be on News Center 7 at Noon this week as she continues her recovery from surgery she had in late December.
More on her surgery and recovery can be found in the previous updates below.
Today I came back from my Ameloblastoma removal and jaw reconstruction surgery to forecast for our noon show! It was...
Posted by Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini WHIO TV on Monday, March 14, 2022
UPDATE: Jan 6.
Kirstie Zontini is one step closer to returning to Daybreak!
The meteorologist made it out of surgery, and is home recovering, after the procedure to use part of her fibular bone to repair her jaw.
Zontini posted this photo to Facebook, featuring her daughter, who seems to be taking good care of her for us. The post includes a message to viewers.
FIRST REPORT
Your News Center 7 Daybreak weather will look a little different for the next few weeks. Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini will be stepping away to undergo a surgery to remove a benign but destructive tumor from her jaw, but she will be back.
This type of tumor, an Ameloblastoma, originates from the enamel producing cells of the teeth. The surgery will require part of her upper jaw to be removed and then reconstruction of the jaw will take place using part of her fibular bone.
It will take several weeks to recover but she is feeling hopeful and thankful this was caught early. Kirstie said she is blessed to have her supportive husband, both families, friends and coworkers cheering her on.
Meteorologist Austin Chaney will provide your Daybreak weather for the majority of our newscasts until Kirstie returns.
You’ll see her back back bright and early once she has recovered.
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