Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced Monday during an emotional press conference that he has been diagnosed with a “very advanced” form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphom.
“A few days ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I will face this challenge with the same energy and determination I’ve relied on to climb every hill and overcome every obstacle that I’ve faced in my life,” Hogan said in a Facebook post. “The best news I’ve received since learning my diagnosis is that my odds of getting through this are much better than my odds were of beating Anthony Brown to become the 62nd Governor of Maryland. Over the coming months, I’ll receive multiple treatments, but I will not stop working to change Maryland for the better.”
Hogan, a Republican, was elected as Maryland’s governor in November, defeating Democrat Anthony Brown, the former lieutenant governor. Hogan, 59, previously ran a successful real estate company and founded Change Maryland, an anti-tax organization.
Here’s what you need to know about his cancer diagnosis:
1. Although the Cancer Is ‘Very Aggressive’ & Spread Rapidly, There Is a Strong Chance of Survival
Governor Larry Hogan, center, during a meeting at the White House following his election. (Getty)
Hogan said at a press conference aired by WJLA that the cancer is “very aggressive,” but it also responds well to chemotherapy treatment.
“There is not only a strong chance of survival but a strong chance of beating it all together,” Hogan said.
2. The Cancer Was Found After Hogan Felt a Lump in His Neck
Hogan campaigning with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. (Getty)
Doctors found the cancer after Hogan discovered a strange lump on the back of his neck during a recent trip to Asia. He has undergone several tests and procedures since returning from the trip.
3. He Will Begin Chemotherapy & the Lieutenant Governor Will Fill In for Him When Necessary
Hogan, center, with Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford, left, and state delegate Keiffer Mitchell. (Getty)
Hogan says he will continue to work while undergoing treatment, but Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford will be able to step in temporarily when needed.
4. He Says He’s ‘Truly Blessed’ to Have the Support of His Family During His Battle With the Disease
Hogan with his wife and family. (Facebook)
Hogan was flanked at the press conference by his wife, Yumi, two of his three stepdaughters, their husbands and his two brothers. He said he spent Father’s Day with his family, including his father, Larry Sr., and gave them all the news about his diagnosis.
He said it reminded him how blessed he is to have them, and said he will lean on them and his faith as he battles the cancer.
5. He Says He Hopes He Can Raise Awareness to Benefit Others by Being Candid About His Battle
Governor Larry Hogan speaks to the media after the unrest in Baltimore. (Getty)
Hogan was emotional during the press conference, and appeared to choke-up as he mentioned that he hopes by being candid and transparent with news about his fight against cancer, he can help others who have lymphoma and other forms of the disease.
“The fact is that I’m just like the more than 70,000 people diagnosed with lymphoma every single year, who fight it, beat it and continue doing their jobs at the same time,” Hogan said. “With my faith, my family and my friends, I know that I won’t just beat this disease, but that I’ll be a better and stronger person and governor when we get to the other side of it.”
