Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announces pancreatic cancer diagnosis – Houston Public Media

In a statement Sunday evening, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announced that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Jackson Lee, 74, is currently serving his 14th term as a member of the United States House of Representatives. She has represented the state’s 18th congressional district since 1995. She was born in Queens, New York, and was elected to the Houston City Council in 1989.

“My doctors confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” she said in the statement. “I am currently undergoing treatment to combat this disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year.”

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my disease,” she said. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I am confident that God will strengthen me. »

In her statement, Jackson Lee said she would occasionally be absent from Congress while undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

In 2012, she announced that she was cancer free after being diagnosed with breast cancer the previous year.

“I am committed to working with our congressional leaders, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of the House, to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation critical to the prosperity and security of the American people.” , she said on Sunday. “By the grace of God, I will soon be back in great shape. »

Jackson Lee ran an unsuccessful campaign for Houston’s mayoral seat against John Whitmire last year, by a lopsided margin. After a bitter battle against former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, she won back her longtime congressional seat in March.

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