Supporters rally around John Lewis’ ‘will to fight’
Congressman battling pancreatic cancer
Expressions of support poured in from political leaders, celebrities and everyday Americans after Rep. John Lewis, a hero of the civil rights movement, announced Sunday that he was being treated for stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The cancer was discovered during a routine checkup this month, and the diagnosis was confirmed, Lewis, 79, 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.”
Two former presidents took to Twitter to share their faith that Lewis is up for that fight.
“If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight,” former President Barack Obama wrote. “I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.”
“If there’s anyone with the strength and courage to fight this, it’s you, John,” former President Bill Clinton said. “Hillary and I love you, and we join with millions of other Americans in praying for you and your family.”
The Georgia Democrat, who has served in the House of Representatives since 1987, told his constituents, “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.”
The five-year survival rate for people with stage 4 pancreatic cancer is very low, about 3%, according to the American Cancer Society, but the outlook depends on the individual, and how the cancer responds to treatment depends on a number of variables.
Because the data looks at five-year rates, it is based on people treated for pancreatic cancer from 2008-2014, and there have been advances in treatment options since then, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
“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.
A civil rights warrior
Lewis was a leader of the civil rights movement in the 1960s who fought discrimination in all its forms. He was one of the original Freedom Riders and a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which organized sit-ins at segregated establishments and ran voter registration drives.
He was a national figure by his early 20s and became the youngest of the Big Six civil rights leaders. At 23, he helped organize the March on Washington in 1963.
In Congress, Lewis is known for his work on voting rights. He has long fought for more access to the polls, particularly for voters of color. This month, the House passed a voting rights bill Lewis championed, and he banged the gavel after its passage.
Lewis has often feuded with President
Donald Trump, clashing over civil rights and voting rights. In September, Lewis urged his colleagues to begin impeachment proceedings against the president, telling them, “The future of our democracy is at stake.”
He boycotted Trump’s inauguration after the president attacked him and his congressional district via Twitter. Lewis called Trump’s presidency illegitimate because of the Russian government’s clandestine campaign to sway the election in his favor.
In 2017, the congressman boycotted the opening of a civil rights museum in Mississippi because Trump was invited. Lewis and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus attended a separate ceremony.
Lewis called out Trump for his tweet telling four congresswomen of color to “go back” to their countries of origin.
“I know racism when I see it,” Lewis said in July.
Flood of support, prayers
In addition to Obama and Clinton, many leading political figures shared their reactions to Lewis’ illness and offered their best wishes for his recovery.
“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,” tweeted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., served alongside Lewis for more than 30 years. Hoyer said Lewis would be back to causing “good trouble.”
“My colleague John Lewis is a fighter ... and I know he’ll face this latest challenge with the same determined resolve he’s always had,” Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., tweeted.
Some of the Democractic 2020 candidates offered well-wishes.
“Congressman Lewis has always fought in the name of building a more just, more fair country,” former Vice President Joe Biden said. “Jill and I are sending our prayers to you and your family. Keep the faith, and keep up the fight.”
“Jane and I are keeping Rep. John Lewis and his family in our thoughts during this difficult time and hoping for a speedy recovery,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., tweeted. “Despite this news, I have no doubt Rep. Lewis will continue to inspire millions and fight for justice as he has his entire life.”
“My heart is with Rep. John Lewis and his family. He’s always been a fighter, and I know he’ll continue making good trouble. Stay strong, John,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass..
“John Lewis is a living example of strength that America needs now more than ever,” said South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “We will be pulling for him and praying for him and his family as he battles cancer with his characteristic grace and courage.”
“John Lewis is one of the strongest people I know. He already beat Jim Crow and the Ku Klux Klan – cancer is next. Please join me in lifting him and his family in prayer,” said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.