[Pancreatic Cancer\Rep.John Lewis]
Rep. Lewis: “I have been in some kind of fight – for freedom, equality, basic human rights – for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now…While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases.”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Rep. John Lewis recently learned from doctors that he must undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Lewis released this statement regarding his prognosis and his plans to continue to serve the people of the 5th Congressional District of Georgia:
“I have been in some kind of fight – for freedom, equality, basic human rights – for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now.
“This month in a routine medical visit, and subsequent tests, doctors discovered Stage IV pancreatic cancer. This diagnosis has been reconfirmed.
“While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance.
“So I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross.
“To my constituents: being your representative in Congress is the honor of a lifetime. I will return to Washington in coming days to continue our work and begin my treatment plan, which will occur over the next several weeks. I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon.
“Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this journey.”
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued the following statement regarding Congressman Lewis:
“John Lewis is a national treasure and the embodiment of the spirit of Atlanta. He has spent his entire life on the front lines of the fight for equality, peace, and justice. As he now takes on his next fight, as a community of faith, we stand in agreement with him, believing that God is still on the throne, and that healing and restoration are on the horizon.”
