Arizona Republican Sen. and the former presidential candidate John McCain will no longer be continuing medical treatment for brain cancer, according to a recent statement from his family.
Last July, McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma and has been absent from the Senate since last December.
“Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious. In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict,” said the McCain family’s statement release on Friday. “With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment.”
McCain’s wife, Cindy, and daughter, Meghan also thanked the medical team that provided care to the senator.
“I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey,” tweeted Cindy McCain with the statement on Friday.
“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,” wrote Meghan McCain in an Instagram post.
Although McCain hasn’t voted since last December, he has remained active behind the scenes and helped to craft the National Defense Authorization Act.
Fellow politicians, colleagues, and friends have responded with messages in support of McCain and his family.
“Very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend @SenJohnMcCain. We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague. John, Cindy, and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour,” tweeted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
“John McCain personifies service to our country. The whole House is keeping John and his family in our prayers during this time,” tweeted House Speaker Paul Ryan.
“No man this century better exemplifies honor, patriotism, service, sacrifice, and country first than Senator John McCain. His heroism inspires, his life shapes our character. I am blessed and humbled by our friendship,” tweeted Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts and Republican Party’s nominee for President in the 2012 election.
Author’s note: This is sad news and means it’s only a matter of time until he passes. Although McCain and Trump had their differences, he was a prominent leader in the Senate and a dedicated public servant.