Rep. Jamie Raskin stays a beacon of integrity and transparency in asserting the most cancers prognosis

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) was one of the strongest and most principled defenders of democracy and the nation’s constitution, and he showed the same integrity in announcing his cancer diagnosis.

Rep. Raskin said in a statement to his constituents:

After several days of testing, I was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a serious but curable form of cancer. I am about to undergo outpatient chemo-immunotherapy at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment.

I expect to be able to work during this time but have been warned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses. In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs the body’s natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I’ve been told it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I still have hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss).

With the benefit of early detection and good doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and future) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House of Representatives, I have to get through this and meanwhile make progress for American democracy every day in Congress.

My love and solidarity goes out to other families who are coping with cancer or other health conditions this holiday season – and to all the doctors, nurses and medical staff who offer us comfort and hope.

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The excellent news is that Rep. Raskin’s cancer was caught early and his prognosis is good. Raskin will lead President Biden’s Democratic defense against the multiple investigations House Republicans are expected to launch if they take control of the House.
Raskin is a constitutional expert who rose to national prominence during the Trump impeachments and Committee 1/6 investigation.

He is a key figure in the fight to protect American democracy, and the same integrity he demonstrates when he argues for his country was present in his statement announcing the cancer diagnosis.

Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Jamie Raskin.

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House press pool and congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in political science. His thesis focused on public policy with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and professional memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association