Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin Announces Cancer Diagnosis

Daniel ChaitinDecember 28, 2022

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-MD, announced that he has been diagnosed as having lymphoma.

The former professor of constitutional law, this 60-year old congressman became a star in Democratic Party, leading the second impeachment campaign against former President Donald Trump. released a statement He spoke out Wednesday about his health, stressing that he will continue to work even if he is receiving intensive treatment.

“After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer,” Raskin stated. “I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment.”

“I expect to be able to work through this period but have been cautioned by my doctors to reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses,” He added. “In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system. I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss).”

Raskin, first elected to the House in 2016, represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, which will now only contain Montgomery County after redistricting nixed portions of Frederick and Carrol counties. House Democrats were elected last week. picked Raskin to be the ranking member on the Oversight CommitteeThe next term of the Republican-led Congress is expected to focus on investigations into President Joe Biden’s son Hunter and his father Hunter.

The congressman was devastated when Tommy, his 25-year old son, died from suicide in late 2020. “unthinkable trauma and loss” that followed Tommy’s death and the Capitol riot. Raskin is not the first to get cancer. Raskin was a state senator a decade before this. he was diagnosed Stage 3 colon cancer. He had to have radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Raskin declared, “With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy.”

He concluded: “My love and solidarity go out to other families managing cancer or any other health condition in this holiday season — and all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who provide us comfort and hope.”