The McCain family announced Friday in a statement that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will be stopping treatment for brain cancer.
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The 81-year-old lawmaker and former Republican presidential candidate publicly announced his diagnosis with an aggressive form of glioblastoma last summer and has been fighting the disease ever since. The family’s statement said McCain has “surpassed expectations for his survival.”
“But the progress of the disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict,” the statement continued. “With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment.”
My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year. Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without you – you've given us strength to carry on. pic.twitter.com/KuAQSASoa7
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2018
McCain’s wife, Cindy, said she loves her husband “with all my heart” and, like their daughter, Meghan, thanked those who have cared for and prayed for the beloved senator since his diagnosis was publicly revealed about one year ago.
“You’ve given us strength to carry on,” Meghan McCain wrote.
Former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska), McCain’s 2008 vice presidential running mate, also sent well-wishes to McCain and his family via Twitter.
Prayers for @SenJohnMcCain and his family at this most trying time 🙏🏻 May comfort and peace envelope them. May my friend sense appreciation for his inspiration to serve something greater than self 🙏🏻🇺🇸 – Sarah Palin pic.twitter.com/5KbI3IpUel
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) August 24, 2018
Some of the senator’s other fellow politicians also weighed in on the medical decision.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called the news “very sad,” noting how “fortunate” he is to have worked alongside McCain, while House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) wrote, “The whole House is keeping John and his family in our prayers during this time.”
Similarly, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said his “thoughts and prayers” are with McCain and his family.