U.S. Democratic Rep. John Lewis of Georgia revealed Sunday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The civil rights icon said he received the diagnosis after a routine medical visit and subsequent tests that confirmed the diagnosis. He said he would undergo treatment for the cancer.
The 79-year-old said in a statement, “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, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance,” he continued.
The long-term Georgia congressman vowed to continue doing his work in spite of receiving the diagnosis and said he would return to Washington to undergo treatment that may take several weeks.
He said, “I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon.”
Lewis was one of the participants of the 1965 civil rights protest. At that time, he had his skull broken during protests. He was also arrested for more than 40 times while fighting for civil rights.
He said, “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.”
Prompting an outpouring of support to his diagnosis, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted, “We are all praying for you following this diagnosis. John, know that generations of Americans have you in their thoughts & prayers as you face this fight. We are all praying that you are comfortable. We know that you will be well.”
Former President Bill Clinton tweeted, “If there’s anyone with the strength and courage to fight this, it’s you, John. Hillary and I love you, and we join with millions of other Americans in praying for you and your family.” Former President Barack Obama wrote, “If there’s one thing I love about (Rep. John Lewis), it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.”
