U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, a Democratic congressman from California, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, he disclosed in a sobering announcement on Monday. In a move that underscored the vulnerability all are subject to in the face of health crises, Garamendi shared that he is already undergoing treatment for the blood cancer. "Like 1.9 million Americans each year, I recently received the dreaded call from my doctor informing me that I had cancer," he told FOX40. The 79-year-old congressman is optimistic about his prognosis, buoyed by the illness being caught in an early state and beginning chemotherapy at a Kaiser hospital in Sacramento.
Garamendi, who represents the Bay Area's Fairfield and Vacaville among other areas in California's 8th Congressional District, intends to maintain his work commitments despite the diagnosis. The congressman expressed his determination to persevere, "I’ll get through this while continuing to serve my extraordinary constituents and advance the American democracy," as obtained by FOX40. Although committed to his legislative duties, he has been advised to curtail unnecessary exposure to COVID-19, the flu, and other viruses.
The Congressman has been a feature in California politics, having been initially elected to the U.S. Congress in 2009. He served California's 10th Congressional District until 2021 when redistricting shifted him to the 8th District, as reported by CBS Sacramento. His announcement comes amidst the upcoming November General Election, in which he faces Republican challenger Rudy Recile.
.jpg){kind=link}