Expressions of support, faith for Rep. John Lewis abound after revelation of stage 4 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 he was undergoing treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The cancer was discovered during a routine checkup this month, and the diagnosis was confirmed, Lewis 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," Lewis said.
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 said. "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."
Will Lewis continue to serve in Congress?
"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," the Georgia Democrat, who has served in the House of Representatives since 1987, told his constituents.
"I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace, I will be back on the front lines soon," he said.
Is the cancer treatable?
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.
Civil rights icon to veteran congressman
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.
Battles with Trump
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.
Trump had not commented on the news of Lewis' illness as of 8:30 a.m. EST Monday.
The flood of support and 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," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., tweeted.
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."
"John is an American hero who helped lead a movement and risked his life for our most fundamental rights; he bears scars that attest to his indefatigable spirit and persistence," Hoyer said.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Lewis "has many titles to his name – congressman, patriot, civil rights icon. But to me, he is a friend first and foremost, and I know he has more fight in him. You’ve got this, John."
Some of the Democractic 2020 candidates offered up 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.
Here are some other reactions to the news of Lewis' illness:
John Lewis has always been a fighter and I know he will approach this challenge the same way: with passion, grit, and determination. Along with millions of people, @GAFirstLady, the girls, and I are praying for @repjohnlewis and his family. #gapol https://t.co/YzV31rIG5u
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) December 29, 2019
.@repjohnlewis is a hero to Georgians and all Americans, including me. My respect and prayers are with this fighter as he faces a new battle.
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) December 30, 2019
If there is one person who embodies what it means to be a fighter — it's John Lewis.
I know he will battle this diagnosis with the same strength and courage he has carried himself with over the course of his life. John, Abigail and I are praying for you and your family. https://t.co/I6gSy2ZUso— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) December 30, 2019
Rep. John Lewis is a fighter in every way.
We pray, hope, and believe that he will win this fight as well.https://t.co/pE2LF6y38t— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 30, 2019
Oh no. You can fight this and win @repjohnlewis like you have fought so many times before. Thinking of you and your family. 🙏 https://t.co/sD11TJrtQG
— Andrew Yang🧢 (@AndrewYang) December 29, 2019
If anyone can beat cancer, it's Rep. John Lewis - and everyone on our team is pulling for him.
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) December 30, 2019
My friend John Lewis has spent his life fighting injustice and racism, and I know he has a lot of fight left in him. I was proud to stand by him at the 50th anniversary of Selma and I join the nation as we stand by him as he takes on this new fight. You got this, my brother. pic.twitter.com/pOVHmWxs8Z
— Rep. Will Hurd (@HurdOnTheHill) December 30, 2019
Congressman Lewis is not afraid of a challenge, and I have no doubt he will face his diagnosis with courage and strength. Robin and I are praying for our fellow Georgian. https://t.co/Qs7OEuHItQ
— Rick W. Allen (@RepRickAllen) December 30, 2019
Rep. John Lewis is a great man and civil rights icon. I learned a lot from him on the Faith & Politics Institute pilgrimage to Selma in 2015. I am saddened to learn of his cancer diagnosis and pray for his recovery.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) December 30, 2019
We stand with you in this fight. Prayers for strength, peace, and healing Congressman Lewis. ❤️🇺🇸https://t.co/4FUNt6PL6K
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) December 30, 2019
John Lewis has fought great evils with resolve, grace and abiding faith in truth’s final victory. Today is no different. Let’s share some strength with him in the way that he has shared so much with us.@repjohnlewis
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 30, 2019
My friend John Lewis has gone up the rough side of the mountain many times before and his battle with pancreatic cancer is no different. Our nation is praying for you, John.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) December 30, 2019
God bless John Lewis. In every battle he's faced, he's inspired us all - and this will be no different. https://t.co/u9gKwGBM2O
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) December 30, 2019
God Bless John Lewis: The civil rights icon and Democratic congressman from Georgia, disclosed Sunday that he has advanced pancreatic cancer but vowed to continue in office while he fights the disease. Praying for Congressman Lewis. https://t.co/Vp7s2tPXe2
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) December 31, 2019
God bless John Lewis. A leader, a teacher, an example for us all. #goodtrouble
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) December 30, 2019
We love you John Lewis. You’re our North Star. https://t.co/O5xkdythsv
— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) December 29, 2019
WHY MUST THE GOOD FIGHT FOR LIIFE,WHILE THE EVIL THRIVE😠
I WILL PRAY EVERY DAY FOR
REP JOHN LEWIS🙏🏻 https://t.co/X7DVBtCbov— Cher (@cher) December 30, 2019
The Honorable #JohnLewis is a true fighter. Let’s keep him in our thoughts and prayers.#GoodTrouble https://t.co/BFN9y4YfQc
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) December 30, 2019
News that congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis has cancer strikes hard. I’ve known John for over 50 years and he’s always been a fighter, undeterred.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 29, 2019
John Lewis is a giant—an icon of the civil rights movement, a leader in Congress and one of the kindest people I know.
I’m praying for a speedy and full recovery. We need you making good trouble in the halls of Congress!— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 29, 2019
All the strength and all the love to John Lewis. He’s been leading people into “good trouble” and leading this country closer to its ideals of justice and equality his whole life. We’re with you John!!
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) December 30, 2019
John Lewis is an American hero & one of the bravest people I know. It was the honor of my life to get into good trouble with him on the campaign trail. Praying for you, brother. pic.twitter.com/uzfTnsot8j
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) December 30, 2019
Let’s all pray for the Conscience of the Congress, our beloved John Lewis pic.twitter.com/U7QNqkLduU
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) December 29, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with my good friend @repjohnlewis as he begins what is sure to be his hardest fight yet.
But I know that John will continue to fight as he always has and will overcome this obstacle just as he has overcome many others. https://t.co/P4ufpV8ng4— James E. Clyburn (@WhipClyburn) December 30, 2019
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. Kneeling in prayer for him and his family tonight. Psalm 46:1 - “God is our refuge and our strength—a very present help in times of trouble.”
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) December 30, 2019
Deeply saddened by news that @RepJohnLewis has stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Champion. Hero. Legend.
Mr. Lewis has always been there to fight for America.
America must now be there to pray for and stand with him during this time of need.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://t.co/aKn1zBM3Jw— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) December 30, 2019
Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Lewis cancer: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, others offer support