The office of Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) announced on Sunday that the Congressman was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in early December. Lewis had visited the doctor for a routine physical examination.

Lewis, 79, is currently serving his 17th term in the House, representing Georgia’s 5th district since 1987. He is known as a civil rights icon for his prolific activism throughout the 1960s.

In his statement below, Lewis said he is fully aware of the fight ahead, but that “recent medical advances” have given him some hope.

Lewis has been a very vocal critic of the President and voted for his impeachment.

In July, angry over President Trump’s tweets about “The Squad,” Lewis delivered an emotional speech. He said, “I know racism when I see it. I know racism when I feel it. And at the highest level of government, there’s no room for racism…It sows the seeds of violence and destroys the hopes and dreams of people. The world is watching. They are shocked and dismayed because it seems we have lost our way as a nation, as a proud and great people.”

Press Release from Rep. Lewis’ Website – December 29, 2019

Rep. John Lewis recently learned from doctors that he must undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer. He released this statement today regarding his prognosis and his plans to continue to serve the people of the 5th Congressional District of Georgia:

Statement from Rep Lewis:

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.

This month in a routine medical visit, and subsequent tests, doctors discovered Stage IV pancreatic cancer. This diagnosis has been reconfirmed.

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.

So I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross.

To my constituents: being your representative in Congress is the honor of a lifetime. I will return to Washington in coming days to continue our work and begin my treatment plan, which will occur over the next several weeks. I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon.

Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this journey.