Photograph by Pablo Martinez Monsivais-Pool/Getty Images
On Sunday, U.S. Representative John Lewis announced that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The 79-year-old civil rights icon and representative for Atlantas 5th Congressional District said in a statement, Ive been in some kind of fightfor freedom, equality, basic human rightsfor nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like this one. Lewis said he intends to stay in office as he undergoes treatment. I may miss a few votes during this period, but with Gods grace I will be back out on the front lines soon.
Shortly after the statement was released, constituents, fellow politicians, celebrities, and other fans of Democratic congressman took to Twitter to send support and share favorite stories about Lewis. Heres a sampling of what was said:
#JohnLewis is alive.
Lets not bury him in response to a diagnosis, no matter how dire.
Think high.
Love deeply.
Be encouraged.
Encourage him. pic.twitter.com/5kaDIj174OBe A King (@BerniceKing) December 30, 2019
If theres one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, its his incomparable will to fight. I know hes got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.
Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 30, 2019
John Lewis is my hero, mentor, and a fighter for good. He will need our love and prayers for his strength as he battles to regain his health.
Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) December 29, 2019
One of my favorite things at the start of every new Congress has been catching freshmen seeing, then meeting, John Lewis for the first time. Either party. The combo of star struck, awe, genuine thrill is always so great.
Tough to put into words reverence for him among members.Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) December 29, 2019
John Lewis has always been a fighter and I know he will approach this challenge the same way: with passion, grit, and determination. Along with millions of people, @GAFirstLady, the girls, and I are praying for @repjohnlewis and his family. #gapol https://t.co/YzV31rIG5u
Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) December 29, 2019
John Lewis, Inman Park Festival Parade, 4/27/2019, a day that really celebrated diversity and love of all kinds. If you dont live in Atlanta, its hard to appreciate how much @repjohnlewis means to the community in his district and how much he still loves to be a part of it. pic.twitter.com/S9O1qDoL0p
@DukeStJournal (@DukeStJournal) December 30, 2019
One of my favorite things about John Lewis is how he stops to say hello and thank Capitol Police officers on his way out of the House floor, as all of his colleagues are sprinting to their next meeting or on their phones. A giant of history and just a kind person. https://t.co/uOfIvWSBIZ
Daniel Malloy (@DanielPMalloy) December 30, 2019
This hit me very, very hard. I dont know anyone living who has done more to make this country a democracy for ALL people than John Lewis. I cannot think of a time he has not been on the right said of justice. Im not even a praying person but offering some tonight. https://t.co/c5Gw7d0y72
Ida Bae Wells (@nhannahjones) December 29, 2019
If you run into @repjohnlewis, no matter where you are or in how much of a hurry he is, he will stop to warmly clasp your hand, look you in the eye, and tell you to come visit him sometime in Washington. It feels like being blessed. Hes in Atlantas thoughts tonight.
Katie Lambert (@KatieELambert) December 30, 2019
It remains the greatest honor and privilege of my life to work in @repjohnlewis' office. He gave me a tour around the Capitol while I was there and it's an experience I'll always remember.
He's never lost a battle and I don't expect that'll change any time soon. #gapol https://t.co/lCuKy6TZ4X
Jeremiah Olney (@JeremiahOlney) December 29, 2019
I am praying for my dear friend John Lewis.
This may be a new fight but I know that we will soon add this to the long list of things he has overcome.
We need his leadership now more than ever. I stand with you my friend. pic.twitter.com/n8chCdvWzw
Lucy McBath (@lucymcbath) December 30, 2019
My son, a Phi Beta Sigma brother, heard John Lewis speak at the Conclave in Atlanta in 2011. He called me after the speech, excited & inspired by Mr. Lewiss words. We talked a long time about what he learned from Mr. Lewis & how he would incorporate those lessons into his life.
Renee Bradford
(@rjnietubyc) December 30, 2019
John Lewis is my Congressman here in Atlanta. About five minutes from my apartment building they have this mural of him. You can even see it as you drive on the freeway. Prayers to a hero & inspirational man. Prayers to John Lewis. pic.twitter.com/8fY1gvVK6J
Ruben
(@RodRoob) December 30, 2019
Last year I got to ask @repjohnlewis to record a brief video message for my little sister, who had been learning about him in class. Many politicians wouldn't have taken even the 20 seconds he did to make a stranger's day, let alone been so profound. Keep fighting, Congressman. pic.twitter.com/WLwHOpo7gF
Elijah
. Mears (@ElijahJMears) December 30, 2019
Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) December 30, 2019
Pete Souza (@PeteSouza) December 30, 2019
The @SpelmanCollege community is lifting you up in prayer, @RepJohnLewis. Please join us in sending prayers and well wishes to Congressman Lewis during this time. pic.twitter.com/J9FWAiobi9
Mary S. Campbell (@SpelmanPres) December 30, 2019
We are thinking of you and praying for you, @repjohnlewis. We will carry you in our hearts as you have carried us in yours. Gods covering as you begin this fight. pic.twitter.com/dkRsfG8GfB
Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) December 30, 2019
#AtlantaWinsWithThisTweet #ClassActNeal. As a kid yall were polar opposites on many issues I paid attention to Locally but yall always did so respectfully to one another. https://t.co/ChrxzdyYTT
Killer Mike (@KillerMike) December 30, 2019
The man is a living bridge to a time in our country of almost incomprehensible turmoil & cruelty and also, because of people like him, hope. Carry on, John Lewis. https://t.co/oZ0N72mhay
Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) December 30, 2019
Congressman Lewis has fought to heal our nation and now he fights for his own healing. The people of the 5th district, the nation, and I will fight alongside my hero, and my friend with our prayers and all the tools and resources that we have. https://t.co/L0w65wczTi
Andre Dickens (@Andre4Atlanta) December 29, 2019
.@repjohnlewis is Americas conscience and Georgias heart. We stand with him as he fights one more battle to defeat pancreatic cancer. As he wages that war, he continues to do the peoples work, buoyed by the prayers and good will of millions. God bless you, my friend.
Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) December 30, 2019
I was tangentially involved in local democratic politics when I lived in Atlanta, and I was fortunate enough to meet John Lewis on two occasions, and hes even more impressive in person than his reputation would lead you to believe. Tragic news, wishing him and his the best. https://t.co/ExPU0aFGx6
ira (@irapolis) December 30, 2019
Rep. John Lewis is Atlanta's hero, Georgia's hero, America's hero.
mstewartsloan (@mstewartsloan) December 30, 2019
I saw this tweet by John Lewis at a time in my life when I was in despair. He lifted me. Now it our turn to lift him. He reminds me every day how important it is to fight on the right side of history. John Lewis is still here and there is still hope
pic.twitter.com/jeuQQ2DZy4
Tina Gray-Russell (@TinaRussell309) December 30, 2019
John Lewis reminds us that there is awesome power in humility, and I cannot remember a time when such a reminder is more needed.
Jay Bookman (@jaysbookman) December 30, 2019
I keep a photo of Rep. John Lewis in my office at the Smithsonian Castle, not only because he was crucial to the creation of @NMAAHC but because he has been a champion for a freer and fairer America for decades. I'm sending John my best wishes and deepest appreciation. pic.twitter.com/0IfNn2jIHq
Lonnie G. Bunch III (@SmithsonianSec) December 30, 2019
I see this giant oftencoming out of Mary Macs
I pull my motorcycle over and holler.John Lewis
he always walks over and we exchange a few words
always a gentlemanam proud to have met him
My prayers and respectAtlanta loves you
will@14midtown (@will14midtown1) December 30, 2019
I saw John Lewis once in a mall in Atlanta. We were both shopping for ties. I walked up to him to thank him for his frontline fight for civil rights. Congressman Lewis is someone we should cherish because hes sacrificed so much for our countrys advancement.
David Bishop (@dlb100b) December 29, 2019
We love you John Lewis. Youre our North Star. https://t.co/O5xkdythsv
Eric Holder (@EricHolder) December 29, 2019
If theres anyone with the strength and courage to fight this, its you, John. Hillary and I love you, and we join with millions of other Americans in praying for you and your family. https://t.co/gNVEu1dijU
Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 29, 2019
Praying for my friend, @repjohnlewis as he begins his fight against cancer. They dont make them stronger or braver, and Im confident he will take on this challenge as he has every other hes faced: with courage and determination fueled by his strong faith.
Johnny Isakson (@SenatorIsakson) December 30, 2019
Getting to know @repjohnlewis both as a person and as a giant of history was one of the joys of building @Ctr4CHR
We are all on his team now and always pic.twitter.com/MWMHtQhjMj
Doug Shipman (@DougShip) December 30, 2019
Tonights reading a book that changed my life the memoirs of a towering figure in American history and a legendary fighter for human rights.
John Lewis is tough and tireless and he remains in that fight. May he serve Georgia, the nation, and humanity for many years to come! pic.twitter.com/NnvvZorvKm
Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) December 29, 2019
My Congressman is a fighter. A Hero. An Icon. My Congressman is a Survivor. More #GoodTrouble to be made. https://t.co/MrSWsspRIt
Senator Nikema Williams (@NikemaWilliams) December 30, 2019
Five years ago in NYC, I ran into civil rights hero John Lewis. As always, he was kind and generous with his time. This truly good man (and now my Atlanta representative) is fighting pancreatic cancer. He's faced many battles in his lifetime; may he win this one. pic.twitter.com/FOPJ8iS65n
Marilyn Geewax (@geewaxnpr) December 30, 2019
When I moved to Cleveland from Atlanta (because I could do more Civil Rights work) I was at an event & a woman had on a John Lewis T-shirt & I was SO homesick! I just shouted JOHN LEWIS! waving to her. And she came over to talk. We talked about how wonderful he is.
elle sea (@pentimentos) December 30, 2019
I took this photograph of John Lewis at the foot of the Edmund Pettis Bridge on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama.
This man is my hero.
Praying for him. pic.twitter.com/CUNBsbmmuuMichael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) December 30, 2019
Congressman John Lewis is a living American hero and is the embodiment of the goodness that does exist in America. The news of his cancer diagnosis is truly devastating. I have no doubt that hell continue to fight like the warrior he is.
Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) December 30, 2019
The @repjohnlewis, I know has been a fighter all his life and I know through it all the fight is just beginning! Americans and myself across the country will have John and his family in there prayers! We love you John, and will be there standing #Strong with you! #JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/u13odE8X27
Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) December 30, 2019
If theres anyone who can beat this, its John Lewis. He is a warrior. Bonnie and I join Georgians, and the entire nation, in praying for him in the days ahead. https://t.co/Me9tl0wI8z
David Perdue (@Perduesenate) December 30, 2019
For more than 50 years, #JohnLewis has been this nations moral compass. Few have carried that burden longer or with more grace and determination. He has fearlessly paved a path toward justice with unerring fortitude and his own blood. He deserves every blessing we can offer.
Renee Graham (@reneeygraham) December 30, 2019
Pancreatic cancer has chosen a formidable opponent. Give it hell @repjohnlewis. Can you hear all the people praying for you?
Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis says he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer https://t.co/IGXqh3h5DN
Ann Curry (@AnnCurry) December 30, 2019
So I have decided to do what I know to do. . .I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross.
Fight on. Were not ready for you to cross the bridge to eternity. Fight on.https://t.co/xwMlQrRCBZ
Ibram X. Kendi (@DrIbram) December 29, 2019
One of the most decent, inspiring men Ive met in covering politics for all these years. Hes a civil rights hero, and as passionate a patriot as weve produced. The key to him is that he sees no conflict between the two; indeed, theyre the same thing. https://t.co/uisAWtT25Z
Howard Fineman (@howardfineman) December 30, 2019
No greater orator has walked the House floor than John Lewis. No greater gentleman, no greater statesman John Lewis has never shrunk from a righteous fight & will combat this one like any otherw/determination & courage. He is a friend & an inspiration, a confidante & leader.
Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) December 30, 2019
When you look up hero in the dictionary, you should find a picture of John Lewis. For decades, he has given our nation the gift of good trouble. @repjohnlewis, America will be right beside you in this battle, just as youve been there for us. https://t.co/xs7tPWYVib
Tom Perez (@TomPerez) December 29, 2019
During the toughest times of his life and more often to inspire the lives of his fellow citizens this has been the advice of @repjohnlewis. As he takes on a new fight in his life, he will not be alone. We are with you, Congressman. https://t.co/NIpY3oMvAW
Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) December 29, 2019
In light of news that John Lewis has been diagnosed w Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer, I'm reupping this.
A hero & National Treasure, his impact has been profound. Let us keep him in our thoughts. Pray for him, if u believe.
Dancing in Nov 18#GoodTrouble
pic.twitter.com/gCjcIYsprG
Koko
John Lewis took part in sit-ins when he was just 20, was beaten up during the Freedom Rides when he was 21, was the youngest speaker at the March on Washington at 23, and had his skull fractured in Selma during Bloody Sunday at the age of 25.
Keep fighting, Mr Lewis. https://t.co/qOCU4NnFkk
Kiran Moodley (@kirancmoodley) December 29, 2019
God bless John Lewis. A leader, a teacher, an example for us all. #goodtrouble
Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) December 30, 2019
There is no more important New Year's resolution, and it begins right now: pray for John Lewis. https://t.co/A8ZTSbUKJr
Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) December 29, 2019
News that congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis has cancer strikes hard. Ive known John for over 50 years and hes always been a fighter, undeterred.
Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 29, 2019
John Lewis is an American hero & one of the bravest people I know. It was the honor of my life to get into good trouble with him on the campaign trail. Praying for you, brother. pic.twitter.com/uzfTnsot8j
Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) December 30, 2019
John Lewis has been a fighter from the moment he could speak. If anyone can beat this horror it's him. @repjohnlewis you are surrounded by love, support, prayers and encouragement from all over this country that needs you. #blessup
https://t.co/v2ZOMaytH5
Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) December 29, 2019
I'm going to head into my prayer closet and pray for Congressman John Lewis. He is a strong soldier for justice, but even more, one of the kindest and most generous people I'm honored to know, even just a bit.
My heart can't take him not being well. pic.twitter.com/UVofywHSfC
brittany packnett cunningham (@MsPackyetti) December 30, 2019
This man took punches, shed blood, went to jail and almost died for simply fighting for what he believes in. Cancer is nothing. Give em hell, Congressman. #JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/QyitzGHLBd
Niles Francis (@NilesGApol) December 29, 2019
.@RepJohnLewis, we are all praying for you following this diagnosis. John, know that generations of Americans have you in their thoughts & prayers as you face this fight. We are all praying that you are comfortable. We know that you will be well. pic.twitter.com/j7YMUGLPC2
Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 29, 2019
"I have been in some kind of fight- for freedom, equality, basic human rights- for nearly my entire life." I'm hoping with all my soul that civil-rights icon, conscience of our country & national treasure @repjohnlewis kicks cancer's ASS!
https://t.co/1Nb0Fc8Od6
Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) December 30, 2019
I think we must send as much love as we can in this mans direction. Our world a world he has worked tirelessly to make better is so much brighter so long as hes in it. Get well @repjohnlewis, you are one of the best angels of our nature. https://t.co/fZHZzUCYHF
Ken Olin (@kenolin1) December 29, 2019
An epic photo.
Were in your corner,
Congressman #JohnLewis. pic.twitter.com/Bmq6sgkfNeThe King Center (@TheKingCenter) December 30, 2019
The post Politicians, celebrities, constituents, and fans send support to John Lewis after cancer diagnosis appeared first on Atlanta Magazine.