I have anchored Eyewitness News Daybreak and Eyewitness News at Noon on WFTV Channel 9 since 1992 and recently added Eyewitness News This Morning on WRDQ, Central Florida's TV 27.

I was born in Auburn, Alabama and graduated from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. I got my start in broadcasting at a country music radio station in Tuscaloosa and have worked at television stations in Georgia and Tennessee.

I am very involved in the Central Florida community: a frequent speaker at churches and schools and on the boards of several community service organizations. I am also a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts.

I took on a new cause in 2004. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of that year, I made it my mission to educate women, men and their families about the importance of early detection of cancer and coping with cancer treatments. In October of 2007, I founded COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH to help local patients and their families. You can visit our website at www.compassionatehandsandhearts.org.

I am involved with Sisters Network, am guest speaker for several Relay for Life Events in Central Florida and serve as the honorary chairman for the Susan G. Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure.

You can see Vanessa's dog 'Samson' in the WFTV Reporters & Anchors Pet Slideshow

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