In an open letter to his constituents Thursday, the 74-year-old Democratic said he has cancer of the esophagus.
Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly has been diagnosed with cancer.
In an open letter to his constituents Thursday, the 74-year-old Democratic said he has cancer of the esophagus. Connolly added he has no symptoms aside from intermittent abdominal pains and will be undergoing chemotherapy right away.
“Cancer can be tough. But so am I,” Connolly said. “I will attack this the only way I know how – with Irish fight and humor.”
In a joint statement, Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia called Connolly a fighter and said they have no doubt he will face “this challenge with the same determination and grit that have defined his public service.”
“Gerry has always been a steadfast advocate for the people of Northern Virginia, and we know that he will continue to show that same fierce commitment as he faces this battle,” the statement read. “We are confident he will emerge from this even stronger, as he has done time and time again.”
On Tuesday, Connolly, who was first elected to Congress in 2008, secured a ninth term in office.
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