Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee diagnosed with cancer

Legendary Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee  announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer. 

Jackson Lee, 74, who has represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District for 15 consecutive terms, told Americans she is “confident” that her doctors will successfully treat her pancreatic cancer, a medical malady that disproportionately affects Black people. 

“My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service. As a member of Congress, I’ve been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed,” Jackon Lee penned to her constituents. 

“Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage. My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.”

Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York, and served as a judge before successfuly running for a Houston City Council seat in 1989. From there, Jackson Lee became the congressional representative from Houston, a seat that she has held for the past 30 years.

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”

Jackson Lee advised her constituents she will be absent from Congress periodically as she undergoes intensive treatment. But she remains dedicated to fulfilling her role as a representative from Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city.

“By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon,” she added. “Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine. As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”