Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) has announced that she is battling pancreatic cancer, a devastating diagnosis that affects thousands of Americans each year.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year,” she said. “I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
The announcement came in the wake of Lee’s failed mayoral campaign and leaked audio tapes that exposed her toxic behavior towards her own staff.
We’ve got to start holding people in positions of power to a higher standard than the rest of us, not a lower one. This awful verbal abuse from Sheila Jackson Lee toward her staff wouldn’t be tolerated in any Fortune 500 company, so why is it in Congress? pic.twitter.com/234nY8RibH
— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) October 24, 2023
Pancreatic cancer is a serious illness that has claimed the lives of many, and Lee is no exception to its effects. However, Lee has said she is committed to her duties as a congresswoman.
“I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people,” she said. “By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon.”
“Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done,” she continued. “Know that you will remain in mine. As always, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issued the Following Statement: pic.twitter.com/1WnKAN2CQs
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) June 3, 2024
Lee has promised to work with Congressional leadership to ensure that the needs of her constituents are met.
NEW OVERNIGHT: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) shared her pancreatic cancer diagnosis @WISN12News pic.twitter.com/7ddpWhHv7s
— Gerron Jordan (@GerronJordan) June 3, 2024
