News
News

Social media reacts to John Lewis cancer diagnosis with messages of support

Rep. John Lewis announced Sunday he has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer

1. Lewis was physically attacked and injured several times marching for civil rights in the '60s. 2. He was the youngest speaker in 1963's March on Washington. 3. President Obama awarded Lewis the Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive. 4. Lewis has spent decades protesting injustice. He has been arrested 45 times, including 5 times as a congressman. 5. He has also written several acclaimed books, including a graphic novel about Selma.
By Courtney Kueppers
Dec 29, 2019

U.S. Rep. John Lewis announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Explore» RELATED: Rep. John Lewis is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

The politician and civil rights icon said he will seek treatment and plans to remain in office.

“I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community,” Lewis said in a statement Sunday. “We still have many bridges to cross.”

Explore» RELATED: Five things to know About Congressman John Lewis

Not long after Lewis’ announcement, fellow politicians and supporters sent Lewis words of encouragement on social media.

About the Author

Follow Courtney Kueppers on twitter
More Stories

The Latest

Susan Monarez had only been CDC director for about two months when she was fired. She says it was a matter of politics, not science.

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

A.M. ATL: Booster meeting

A.M. ATL: Going courting

A.M. ATL: A new kind of hot

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Police abandoned area where 8-year-old was shot, detective testifies

The testimony came as trial began for Julian Conley, the man accused of fatally shooting the child near the burned-down Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was killed weeks earlier.

Emory giving free tuition to students from families making under $200,000

Starting next academic year, Emory University will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000, a move that could help hundreds of students.

Weekend Predictions: Another winning weekend for Falcons, Georgia Tech?

Weekend Predictions is off to a hot start. But will wins by the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech and Georgia State keep this streak alive?