Last Updated Aug 24, 2018 11:32 AM EDT
Sen. John McCain has decided to discontinue medical treatment in his battle with brain cancer, his family said in a statement Friday. The Arizona Republican senator’s family said McCain has “surpassed expectations for survival,” but the “progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict.” McCain, 81, was diagnosed with glioblastoma more than a year ago.
“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,” McCain’s family said in a statement. “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. Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John’s many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers. God bless and thank you all.”
McCain, a war hero, was first elected to the Senate in 1986.
McCain’s wife, Cindy, tweeted about her love for her husband of 38 years and her appreciation for everyone who has come alongside them in the last year.
Meghan McCain, their daughter, said her family wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of others.
“My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year,” she tweeted. “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.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was saddened to learn the news.
“Very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend @SenJohnMcCain,” McConnell tweeted. “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.”
McCain, whose diagnosis was announced in July 2017, has spent his year in the Senate since then standing up for his principles — even when those positions haven’t always been popular with his party, or the president. McCain voted against the Republican-led effort to repeal Obamacare last year, and has spoken out strongly against Mr. Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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