On Wednesday, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) announced he had been diagnosed with a “serious but curable” form of cancer. In a statement indicating that “after several days of tests,” Raskin, 60, said he found out he had, diffuse large B cell lymphoma. This is a treatable type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, for which he stated he would soon begin treatment. Raskin said-
“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,” adding “Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment.”
-Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
This announcement of Raskin’s diagnosis, comes as he is preparing to become the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee. Presently, he will be expected to serve as a leading voice for Democrats, amid Oversight Republicans planning aggressive investigations into, the U.S. Southern Border, the U.S. Afghanistan withdrawal, Hunter Biden, the Chinese coronavirus origins, and much more.
Gaining prominence through serving as the lead impeachment manager, in the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, Raskin rose through the Democratic ranks. In this last congress, he sat on the January 6 select committee, a partisan group of legislators, mostly Democrats, that focused heavily on Trump’s perceived role in spurring the 2021 Capitol riot. Raskin joined Congress in 2017.
On a personal note, in December of 2020, Raskin suffered the loss of his 25-year-old son who committed suicide after his long battle for years with “a blindingly painful and merciless disease called depression,” Raskin said at the time.
While undergoing treatment, Raskin said he plans to be able to work, reportedly saying-
“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).” Adding…
“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,”
-Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
No one expects to face this kind of news at any time, let alone around the holidays. America’s compassionate and caring citizens, support Rep. Raskin prayerfully, as he and his family face this most difficult personal challenge. There is nothing partisan about Cancer – it is everyone’s formidable foe and needs to be treated as such.
Faith is our anchor, life is precious, family support is essential and friends on both sides of the isle are important. May Rep. Raskins doctors demonstrate wisdom, as they treat him and may America not forget to pray for him – as they would for anyone facing a deadly foe.
“Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who possesses God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
-St. Teresa of Avila