Georgia Rep. John Lewis, a longtime congressman and civil rights leader, announced Sunday he's undergoing treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Lewis, a Democrat who has represented Georgia's 5th Congressional District for over 30 years, said doctors discovered the cancer during a routine visit.
"While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance," Lewis said in a statement.
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., seen here earlier this month, announced he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. (House Television via AP)
But, despite the diagnosis, Lewis, 79, said he will continue to serve in Congress. "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. We still have many bridges to cross."
Friends and colleagues of Lewis offered their support.
"If there's one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it's his incomparable will to fight," tweeted former President Barack Obama. "I know he's got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend."
"If there's anyone with the strength and courage to fight this, it's you John," former President Bill Clinton tweeted. "Hillary and I love you, and we join with millions of other Americans in praying for you and your family."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wrote that "generations of Americans" had Lewis in their prayers.
"We are all praying that you are comfortable. We know that you will be well," Pelosi wrote.
Lewis said he will return to Washington in the coming days to resume work and begin his treatment plan, "which will occur over the next several weeks."
He acknowledged that he may miss a few votes during that period, "but with God's grace I will be back on the front lines soon."
He continued, "Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this journey."
A civil rights icon who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965 in Selma, Alabama, Lewis has established himself as an outspoken critic of President Trump.
Earlier this year, Lewis joined fellow House Democrats in support of a resolution condemning President Trump's tweets.
"I rise with a sense of righteous indignation to support this resolution. I know racism when I see it. I know racism when I feel it. And, at the highest level of government, there's no room for racism," Lewis said in a speech from the House floor.
"It sows the seeds of violence and destroys the hopes and dreams of people. The world is watching. They are shocked and dismayed because it seems we have lost our way. As a nation, as a proud and great people. We are one Congress. And we are here to serve one house, the American House, the American people."