Former Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse stunned the public by revealing he has been diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer. In a lengthy post on X, Sasse described the diagnosis as a “death sentence” and shared his emotional response to the news.
The X Post
Sasse’s message began with a stark admission:
> “Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die,” he wrote. “Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too – we all do.”
He continued to reflect on the impact of the diagnosis on his personal life, noting that it is “hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad.” The senator praised his wife and three children, emphasizing the importance of family during this difficult time.
Career Context
Sasse served as Nebraska’s U.S. Senator from 2015 until early January 2023. He resigned from the Senate to become president of the University of Florida. His tenure at UF ended last year, largely because of his wife’s health struggles, which included epilepsy and memory issues.
During his Senate career, Sasse positioned himself as a staunch conservative and self-described “constitutional warrior.” He was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict former President Donald Trump in the second impeachment trial, a decision that led to Trump’s acquittal. Only three Republicans-Maine’s Susan Collins, Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski, and Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy-remain in the Senate following the impeachment proceedings.
Sasse’s Future Plans
Despite the gravity of his diagnosis, Sasse signaled that he would not surrender quietly. He wrote:
> “I’ll have more to say. I’m not going down without a fight,” and added that “One sub-part of God’s grace is found in the jawdropping advances science has made the past few years in immunotherapy and more. Death and dying aren’t the same – the process of dying is still something to be lived. We’re zealously embracing a lot of gallows humor in our house, and I’ve pledged to do my part to run through the irreverent tape.”
These comments suggest that Sasse intends to continue speaking publicly, possibly advocating for cancer research and sharing his personal journey with his supporters.
Key Takeaways
- Diagnosis and Public Disclosure: Ben Sasse confirmed he has stage-four pancreatic cancer and labeled the diagnosis a “death sentence.”
- Personal Impact: He emphasized the emotional toll on his family, praising his wife and three children.
- Political Legacy: Sasse’s career highlights include his role in the Trump impeachment trial and his resignation from the Senate to lead the University of Florida.
- Future Outlook: Sasse plans to continue public engagement, discussing advances in immunotherapy and maintaining a sense of humor amid adversity.
Closing
Ben Sasse’s announcement brings to light the stark reality of pancreatic cancer, a disease often diagnosed at an advanced stage. His candidness about the diagnosis and his determination to keep speaking publicly may inspire others facing similar health challenges. The political and medical communities will undoubtedly watch his next steps with interest as he navigates this difficult journey.
