Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia), a 17-term Congressman and a leader of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his office said Sunday.
Lewis' office said he was diagnosed following a routine doctor's visit this month. He also says a second doctor has confirmed the diagnosis.
“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," Lewis said in a statement.
“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.”
