Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Rep., Reveals That He Has 'Serious and Curable' Form of Cancer

TAKOMA PARK, MD -- NOVEMBER 01: Congressman Jamie Raskin represents Marylands 8th district. He served as an impeachment manager against President Donald Trump, and had to hide and flee from insurrectionists on January 6th. His son, Tommy, committed suicide last year at the age of 25, and the Raskins buried him the day before the attack on the Capitol. (photo by Andre Chung for The Washington Post via Getty Images) — TAKOMA PARK, MD — NOVEMBER 01: Congressman Jamie Raskin represents Marylands 8th district. He was the impeachment manager for President Donald Trump. On January 6, he had to hide from insurrectionists and fled. Tommy, his son, committed suicide at the age 25. The Raskins buried him on the day of the attack on Capitol Hill. (Photo by Andre Chung via Getty Images for The Washington Post

Andre Chung/The Washington Post/Getty

Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin He was diagnosed with a “serious, but curable” form of cancer. According to a Wednesday press release, he will continue to serve as a congressman despite the diagnosis.

“After several days, we were able to pass the tests. I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell LymphomaHe said this in a statement. “I am about embark on a course in chemo-immunotherapy as an outpatient at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital, and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. After four months of treatment, the prognosis is good for most people in my position.

Raskin, 60, said that he hopes to be able and able to work during the treatment period. However, his doctors advised him to “reduce unnecessary exposure” to COVID-19 and other viruses.

UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 1: Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., is seen after the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol markup in Cannon Building on a report recommending that the House of Representatives cite Jeffrey Clark for criminal contempt of Congress and refer him to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution, on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) — UNITED STATES-DECEMBER 1: Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) is seen following the Select Committee to Investigate January 6th Attack at the United States Capitol Markup in Cannon Building. This report recommended that the House of Representatives Cite Jeffrey Clark for criminal contempt of Congress, and refer him to United States Attorney for District of Columbia for prosecution on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Photo by Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Getty

Raskin, who has been the U.S. representative in Maryland’s 8th congressional District since 2017, also spoke out about side effects of chemotherapy. These include hair loss and weight gain, as well as impairing natural immune systems and affecting natural antibodies.

The politician said that he was still optimistic following the diagnosis.

“With the assistance of my outstanding staff, early detection and excellent doctors, I can love the health of [wife] Sarah, our daughters and sons in-law (actual or to-be), and friends. With the support of my beloved constituents, and my colleagues in Congress, I will get through it and keep moving forward in Congress for American democracy every day.” he said.

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“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,” he concluded.

According to The Washington PostRaskin has previously fought stage 3 colon cancer In 2010, he underwent radiation treatment and chemotherapy. He was diagnosed with a benign stomach cyst after an MRI.

On Wednesday, Rep. Ritchie Torres (Rep.) and Rep. David Trone (Rep.) tweeted their support.

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You can call him “a national treasure,” Torres, who is 34 years old, stated that he was praying for his swift and strong recovery during treatment for cancer. America needs you, Jamie.”

Trone, 67 wrote in his tweet: “If @RepRaskin is your friend, you know he’s a fighter. Jamie, we are with you every step of the way.“

He also led the second impeachment case against former President Donald Trump, Raskin —whose son Thomas “Tommy” Bloom Raskin died by suicide in 2020 — is also a member of the House Select Committee in the investigation of the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.

After winning 80 percent of the vote, he was elected to his fourth term as Congressman.

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Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Rep., Reveals That He Has ‘Serious and Curable’ Form of Cancer