Sen. John McCain has been receiving treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer, since last summer. Today, the McCain family issued a statement saying he had decided to discontinue further treatment.
“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. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment,” the statement says.
Meghan McCain posted the statement on Twitter along with her thanks for people’s prayers and support. “We could not have made it this far without you — you’ve given us the strength to carry on,” she wrote.
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
Cindy McCain also released this brief personal statement:
I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey. pic.twitter.com/v27sEbboii
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 24, 2018
Here’s some initial reaction from Bret Baier at Fox News:
.@BretBaier: "If you think of any other figure in American history and political life who has spent his life serving the country, I don't think you can think of one who has served in as many ways as John McCain and to the extent that he's served." https://t.co/bZu1FJDJqb pic.twitter.com/0L0bZMIHcZ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 24, 2018
Jake Tapper is focusing on McCain’s own words:
TAPPER: I hope I don't run this clip for another 50 years. But how do you want the American people to remember you?
MCCAIN: He served his country and not always right. Made a lot of mistakes. Made a lot of errors, but served his country. And I hope we could add honorably. https://t.co/l2knunQKzU
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) August 24, 2018
Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona has issued a statement calling McCain an “American hero.”
.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero. Angela and I send our prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy and the entire McCain family. Read my statement: pic.twitter.com/oxzKPKXucq
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 24, 2018
Both Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell have made brief statements:
My thoughts and prayers are with Senator McCain and his family. https://t.co/cqHXdjJntj
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 24, 2018
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.
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) August 24, 2018
There are going to be hundreds of reactions on Twitter today but it’ll be interesting to see how President Trump responds. So far he hasn’t tweeted anything about the news.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member