- Members of Congress, celebrities, and rights activists have offered words of support for US Rep. John Lewis of Georgia after he announced on Sunday that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
- The 79-year-old said in a statement that he would continue to serve his constituents in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia as he undergoes treatment.
- Messages of support began pouring in on social media for the civil rights icon, with many touting his strength and tenacity acquired while helping spearhead the civil rights movement.
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Members of Congress, celebrities, and rights activists have offered words of support for US Rep. John Lewis of Georgia after his office on Sunday announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The 79-year-old said in a statement that he found out about his diagnosis this month during a routine medical visit. He added that he would continue to serve his constituents in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia as he undergoes treatment.
"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," he wrote.
"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."
Messages of support began pouring in on social media for the civil rights icon.
Former President Barack Obama praised Lewis' "incomparable will to fight."
"Praying for you my friend," he wrote on Twitter.
If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 30, 2019
Former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates said Lewis represents the "soul of America at our best."
Prayers for @RepJohnLewis—the soul of America at our best. https://t.co/2IgjpxalO9
— Sally Yates (@SallyQYates) December 30, 2019
Actress and activists Patricia Arquette sent well wishes to his family.
Sending you love and light and so much gratitude. Sending your family support.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) December 30, 2019
The King Center, founded in Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory, tweeted out a photo of Lewis and King Jr.
"We're in your corner," it wrote.
An epic photo.
— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) December 30, 2019
We’re in your corner,
Congressman #JohnLewis. pic.twitter.com/Bmq6sgkfNe
Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., said people should not jump to the wost-case-scenario, "no matter how dire" the diagnosis.
#JohnLewis is alive.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) December 30, 2019
Let’s not bury him in response to a diagnosis, no matter how dire.
Think high.
Love deeply.
Be encouraged.
Encourage him. pic.twitter.com/5kaDIj174O
Cher tweeted that she would pray for Lewis "every day."
WHY MUST THE GOOD FIGHT FOR LIIFE,WHILE THE EVIL THRIVE😠
— Cher (@cher) December 30, 2019
I WILL PRAY EVERY DAY FOR
REP JOHN LEWIS🙏🏻 https://t.co/X7DVBtCbov
Political commentator Stephen Colbert called Lewis "a leader, a teacher, an example for us all."
God bless John Lewis. A leader, a teacher, an example for us all. #goodtrouble
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) December 30, 2019
Sen. Cory Booker called Lewis "one of the greatest agents of change in American history" and wished him recovery in his treatment.
John Lewis is one of the greatest agents of change in American history—I wouldn't be a US Senator if it weren't for the chain of protest unleashed by his act of protest on an Alabama bridge.
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) December 30, 2019
Holding him in my heart as he battles cancer. Keep fighting, keep making good trouble ✊🏾 https://t.co/bjY03Bwf8T
Sen. Bernie Sanders wished Lewis a speedy recovery.
Jane and I are keeping Rep. John Lewis and his family in our thoughts during this difficult time and hoping for a speedy recovery. Despite this news, I have no doubt Rep. Lewis will continue to inspire millions and fight for justice as he has his entire life. https://t.co/ABXPND3xHe
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 30, 2019
Tennis legend Billie Jean King called Lewis a "fighter of the highest order."
"I have no doubt he will approach this journey with tenacity, courage, and faith," she wrote.
.@repjohnlewis is a Civil Rights leader, an American patriot, and a fighter of the highest order. I am deeply saddened to hear of his cancer diagnosis, but I have no doubt he will approach this journey with tenacity, courage, and faith.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 30, 2019
Sending love and prayers to him tonight. https://t.co/4imTRVVH1Y
Apple's Tim Cook encouraged people to "share some strength" with Lewis ahead of his treatment.
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
US Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia called his fellow Congressman was his "hero, mentor, and a fighter for good."
John Lewis is my hero, mentor, and a fighter for good. He will need our love and prayers for his strength as he battles to regain his health.
— Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) December 29, 2019
According to his House bio, Lewis has been referred to as "one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced."
Lewis grew up on his family's farm in Alabama and was inspired by the activism of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. During his college years, he participated in "Freedom Rides," which challenged the Jim Crow segregation laws in the South by sitting in bus seats reserved for white patrons.
At the age of 23, Lewis was a keynote speaker during the March on Washington, which took place in August 1963. He also coordinated protest marches along the 54-mile highway stretch from Selma, Alabama to the capital of Montgomery to advocate for voting rights in the state. The protesters were attacked by state troopers, with the confrontation being deemed "Bloody Sunday."
Lewis was elected into Congress in 1986, where he currently serves as Senior Chief Deputy Whip for the Democratic Party in leadership in the House, a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Oversight.
Lewis has also received numerous awards, including the 2010 Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, which was granted to him by President Barack Obama in 2011.
SEE ALSO: Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis will undergo treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer
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