Today, former President Jimmy Carter, who served as America’s thirty-ninth Commander-in-Chief shared some tough news: he’s been diagnosed with cancer and will be spending the next few weeks undergoing treatment.
“Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body,” Carter said in a brief statement. “I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare. A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week.”
Carter, ninety, has a history of pancreatic cancer in his family.
“Michelle and I send our best wishes to President Carter for a fast and full recovery,” said President Barack Obama in a statement released by the White House.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosalynn and the entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the same grace and determination that they have shown so many times before,” the President added. “Jimmy, you’re as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you.”
The President also telephoned President Carter earlier today to express the same sentiment to him directly, the White House said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter and his family,” echoed former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton, in a tweet signed “H” to signify it was written by her and not a member of her staff.
We join progressives around the country in wishing President Carter a full and speedy recovery. For many years, he has lent his voice to speak out on behalf of diplomacy and nonviolence. He is a great statesman and leader whose public service has extended well beyond his presidency. Recognized for his efforts with the Nobel Peace Prize, he has maintained an active life for a very long time. As a friend of NPI, Bill Phillips, said today, “We need him around for every year we can have.”
