Community Chat

[Marp]

Washington (CNN)Civil rights icon and US Democratic Rep. John Lewis of Georgia has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, his office announced Sunday.

Lewis, 79, will undergo treatment for it, his office said.

"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," Lewis said in a statement.

"This month in a routine medical visit, and subsequent tests, doctors discovered Stage IV pancreatic cancer. This diagnosis has been reconfirmed," he said.

"While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of caner treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance," he added

The long-serving Democrat has represented Georgia's 5th Congressional District, which includes much of Atlanta, since first being elected in 1986

[patbz]

So sorry to hear this!

[Iwantcoffee]

I am so sorry to hear this. Praying for him as he undergoes treatment.

[Caaareful Shopper]

I am so sad to hear this.  As he said, there have been remarkable advances in treatment options.   

However, this is a tough one for sure.  I pray for him and his family.

[Greeneyedlady21]

Very sad news

[MarieIG]

Not a diagnosis I would want anyone to face.  Wishing him a speedy recovery. 

[Nbo]

Praying for him.

[gidgetgh]

John Lewis represents the district one over from where I live.  When they announced this tonight on our news it made me very sad. 

[golding76]

Sad news.  The good guys are few and far between.  

I hope he beats this.

May God bless Rep. Lewis and protect him.

[Pearlee]

Sad news. I hope he gets in touch with Alex Trebec, or Alex contacts him to perhaps give some encouragement.