Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin announces cancer diagnosis
Juliegrace Brufke
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Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) announced on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with cancer and will begin undergoing treatment.
The influential Democrat, who is slated to take the reins as the ranking member on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, said that he has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and will receive chemo-immunotherapy to fight the disease.
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“After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer. I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment,” he said in a statement.
Raskin asserted that he would continue to serve his constituents as he is being treated.
“I expect to be able to work through this period but have been cautioned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu, and other viruses. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss),” he continued.
“With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy.”
Following his announcement, members on both sides of the aisle took to social media to offer their support.
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“Jamie Raskin is a national treasure — an oasis of legal integrity and intellect at a time when both are desperately needed in democracy’s defense. I am praying for his strong and swift recovery as he undergoes cancer treatment. America needs you, Jamie,” Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) tweeted.
Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) tweeted: “Prayers for Jaime.”