On Tuesday, House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced that he is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer.
The 57-year-old Republican congressman made the announcement in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer,” Scalise wrote.
“I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months. I expect to work through this period and intend to return to Washington, continuing my work as Majority Leader and serving the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District,” he continued.
“I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable,” Scalise added. “I am thankful for my excellent medical team, and with the help of God, support of my family, friends, colleagues, and constituents, I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges.”
After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer.
I have now begun treatment, which will…
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 29, 2023
Scalise, who was first elected to the House in 2008, has had medical challenges in the past. In 2017, he was seriously wounded during a shooting at a congressional baseball practice carried out by a radical far-leftist. It took some time for Scalise to heal from his injuries, having to undergo multiple surgeries as a result of his wounds — but he has managed to recover to continue his duties in Congress, and has even participated in Congressional Baseball Games since the attack.
Scalise’s fellow lawmakers and others expressed support for him in response to his cancer diagnosis, declaring him a “fighter” and offering their prayers.
“There is no stronger fighter than [Scalise],” tweeted House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY). “Steve is as tough and kind as they come, and he has beaten so many unbeatable odds. The Legend from Louisiana is beloved by his colleagues and America and we know he will fight this next battle with that same resolve. We are proud to stand by to support Steve and his family as they embrace strength and faith in this next challenge.”
There is no stronger fighter than @SteveScalise. Steve is as tough and kind as they come, and he has beaten so many unbeatable odds. The Legend from Louisiana is beloved by his colleagues and America and we know he will fight this next battle with that same resolve. We are proud… https://t.co/ETfDGeSMVT
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) August 29, 2023
Scalise “is a fighter and a great American. We know you can beat this and we are praying for your full and quick recovery!” tweeted Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
.@SteveScalise is a fighter and a great American. We know you can beat this and we are praying for your full and quick recovery! https://t.co/r98omvOLJN
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) August 29, 2023
“Please join me in praying for my friend, Congressman [Scalise]. We know he’s tough and will fight this disease just as he’s fought for the people of Louisiana,” tweeted Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin (R).
Please join me in praying for my friend, Congressman @SteveScalise. We know he’s tough and will fight this disease just as he’s fought for the people of Louisiana. https://t.co/YjR3styOIq
— La. Sec. of State (@Louisiana_sos) August 29, 2023
