House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced on Aug. 29 that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
“After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer. I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer.
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 29, 2023
I have now begun treatment, which will…
“I expect to work through this period and intend to return to Washington, continuing my work as Majority Leader and serving the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District,” continued Mr. Scalise.
“I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable. I am thankful for my excellent medical team, and with the help of God, support of my family, friends, colleagues, and constituents, I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges.”
Mr. Scalise’s announcement comes two weeks before the House is set to be back in session as the chamber and the Senate work to avoid a government shutdown, as the deadline to fund the government is Sept. 30.
Messages of support have poured for Mr. Scalise, who last faced a publicly-known health scare in 2017 when he was shot on a baseball field one day before the annual Congressional Baseball Game for charity.
“There is no stronger fighter than @SteveScalise. Steve is as tough and kind as they come, and he has beaten so many unbeatable odds. The Legend from Louisiana is beloved by his colleagues and America and we know he will fight this next battle with that same resolve. We are proud to stand by to support Steve and his family as they embrace strength and faith in this next challenge,” posted Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House Republican conference, on X.
“Nobody is as prepared as Steve Scalise is to take on this new trial, and win,” said Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) in a statement. “With his faith in God, the love of his life Jennifer at his side, and his children and loving family there to support him, I know Steve will fight through this and come out stronger and more purpose driven than before.”
By Jackson Richman
