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Long-time House of Representatives member and civil rights leader, John Lewis, announced on Sunday that he is suffering from stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Lewis, 79, has been serving in the House since 1987 and says he plans to handle this like anything else in his life – he’s going to fight.
Representing Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District, John Lewis has served in the House of Representatives for over 30 years. During this time he has been a civil rights icon, fighting for equality and justice within the House.
When sharing his diagnosis yesterday, he seemed both realistic and optimistic about the outcome.
“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.”
Lewis said he plans to return to DC soon, where he will begin his treatment while serving the nation. “I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon,” he promised.
Rep. Lewis seems hopeful and optimistic, but the truth is that a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is very often a death sentence, especially as far along as his is.
As the 10th most common cancer diagnosed in men in the US and the 9th most common for women, it accounts for just 3% of all cancer diagnoses, but about 7% of cancer deaths.
It is considered one of the deadliest forms of cancer because there are no real tests that can catch it in its earliest stage. Most people discover they have pancreatic cancer just like Lewis did – through a routine exam where the doctor got lucky.
Stage IV cancer is the most severe and has the bleakest outlook. The survival rate over 5 years for all stages of pancreatic cancer is just 9%, according to the American Cancer Society.
It’s clear that John Lewis’s time serving America has not gone unnoticed. Within hours of his announcement, social media blew up sending this iconic leader love and support as he battles.
Former President Barack Obama tweeted his love and support.
If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, 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.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 30, 2019
As did Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had nothing but nice things to share about the man.
.@RepJohnLewis, 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. pic.twitter.com/j7YMUGLPC2
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 29, 2019
US Senator and 2020 Democratic Presidental hopeful Bernie Sanders shared that he was keeping Lewis and his family in his thoughts and prayers. Sanders recently had his own health scare – the 78-year-old suffered a heart attack on the campaign trail.
Jane and I are keeping Rep. John Lewis and his family in our thoughts during this difficult time and hoping for a speedy recovery. Despite this news, I have no doubt Rep. Lewis will continue to inspire millions and fight for justice as he has his entire life. https://t.co/ABXPND3xHe
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 30, 2019
Even Stephen Colbert tweeted from his personal account, sharing hope and sending love.
God bless John Lewis. A leader, a teacher, an example for us all. #goodtrouble
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) December 30, 2019
It’s clear that so many think very highly of Lewis, who has dedicated his life to helping others.
