Georgia’s 5th Congressional District Representative John Lewis recently learned from doctors that he must undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer. In a statement released this afternoon, the 79-year-old Congressman vowed to fight cancer just as he has fought other battles in his life and said he plans to continue serving in Congress.
Below is Lewis’ statement in its entirety followed by the reaction from Georgia officials.
“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.”
The news of Lewis’ was met with well wishes from the congressman’s friends and colleagues. Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams called Lewis a national treasure and a friend.
“Congressman Lewis is a national treasure, my friend, my hero, and the hero of people across our world who are in the fight to make good trouble everywhere. I know that he will take on this fight just like he has for every other challenge: with strength, with purpose, and with courage. He and his family are in my prayers, and all Georgia Democrats stand with him in this fight,” Williams said.
Fellow Congressman Hank Johnson said Lewis was his hero. “John Lewis is my hero, mentor, and a fighter for good. He will need our love and prayers for his strength as he battles to regain his health,” he said.
Congressman Tom Graves took to Twitter to pay his tribute to Lewis. “you’re a helluva fighter and a great friend. We stand with you during this battle,” he said.
Congressman Jody Hice also spoke of Lewis’ fighting spirit. “When it comes to fighting [John Lewis] has proven time & again that he’s a tenacious warrior, and that same determination —combined with faith in God — will be in full force as he begins his treatment.”
Retiring Senator Johnny Isakson also took to Twitter to pay his tribute. In Isakson’s farewell address earlier this month, Isakson spoke warmly of Lewis and their friendship. Isakson’s tweet is below.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he and his family are praying for Lewis. “John Lewis has always been a fighter and I know he will approach this challenge the same way: with passion, grit, and determination,” he said.
Georgia Lieutenant Gov. Geoff Duncan had this to say: “The Duncan family is keeping Congressman Lewis in our prayers. I have no doubt he will tackle this diagnosis with the same tenacity and courage that we all have come to expect from the iconic civil rights leader and public servant.”
Below are some more tweets from Georgia’s elected officials responding to Lewis’ announcement.
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