By Jeffrey L. Boney, Associate Editor
(Source Forward Times):
If there is one thing the Forward Times knows about U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), ever since she burst on the political scene as an elected member of the Houston City Council in 1990, it’s that she’s a fighter!
That’s right!
Congresswoman Jackson Lee has fought tirelessly, not only for her constituents in the 18th Congressional District of Texas, but for the entire nation, as she has spearheaded and authored several pieces of impactful and meaningful legislation throughout her storied career.
In a stunning announcement over the weekend, the entire nation has learned that Congresswoman Jackson Lee, 74, is facing a new fight against a familiar foe that she is having to battle against again and overcome—the awful disease of cancer.
Back in 2012, Congresswoman Jackson Lee announced to the world that she was cancer-free, after having been diagnosed with and having to battle against breast cancer the year prior. This past Sunday, June 2nd, Congresswoman Jackson Lee shared a statement on X, formerly Twitter, revealing that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and communicating her plan to fight for her health through treatment and through her faith.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” Congresswoman Jackson Lee shared. “I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year. I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, which is a gland that lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine. They also state that pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and diagnose for the following reasons: there aren’t any noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages of pancreatic cancer; the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, when present, are like the signs and symptoms of many other illnesses; and the pancreas is hidden behind other organs such as the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and bile ducts.
The National Cancer Institute also states that there are different types of treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer, which are:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Chemoradiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
Congresswoman Jackson Lee has taken the advice of her doctors as to how to treat the pancreatic cancer diagnosis and went on to describe the parallels between her approach to life as a public servant and her approach to things happening in her personal life.
“My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service,” stated Congresswoman Jackson Lee. “As a member of Congress, I’ve been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage.”
It is unclear when the pancreatic cancer was discovered by her doctors, but whenever it was discovered, since then, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has not stopped working.
This past April, the Forward Times reported on Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s advocacy efforts that helped the historic Wesley A.M.E. Church location in Houston’s Third Ward receive $4,116,279 in landmark federal funding for the “Adaptive Reuse of Historic Wesley Chapel for Economic Revitalization of Third Ward” project that will be home to a dynamic mixed-use development that will be renamed Gospel Square. The renovated and redeveloped property will house new affordable housing units, a community center, a café, a recording studio, office and retail space, a courtyard, a gospel museum, and much more.
In March 2022, the Forward Times reported on President Biden signing the Historic Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022, into law—a bill authored by Congresswoman Jackson Lee that strengthens services for Domestic Violence victims and survivors of dating violence, sexual assault, and it expands protections for victims’ and survivors’ financial security.
In June 2021, the Forward Times reported on President Joe Biden signing a major piece of legislation into law—the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act—which helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday, thanks to the advocacy of Congresswoman Jackson Lee, who was the first and only Congressional leader to introduce this legislation.
In 2019, the Forward Times reported on the efforts of Congresswoman Jackson Lee to introduce H.R. 40—the Commission to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans Act—as a major piece of legislation that would create a Commission aimed at studying the impact of slavery and continuing discrimination against African Americans and would make recommendations concerning any form of apology and compensation to begin the long-delayed process of atonement for slavery.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee has continued to serve her constituents and handle her responsibilities in the 18th Congressional District, and on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, despite the cancer diagnosis. She assured her constituents and colleagues that she would continue serving her 18th Congressional District constituents, and the entire nation, as she always has.
“To the constituents of the 18th Congressional District: Serving as your representative in
Congress for 30 years is one of my greatest honors. Your hopes and aspirations inspire my efforts on behalf of our community every day,” Congresswoman Jackson Lee expressed. “As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect. I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that are critical for the prosperity and security of the American people. By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon.”
Congresswoman Jackson Lee has been a fighter, well before she was elected to represent the 18th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1995, and she has proven to be an advocate for meaningful change and progress.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee closed her statement by soliciting prayers and ending with her often-expressed sentiment regarding her constituents and her country, stating:
“Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine. As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
That’s exactly what the Forward Times staff will do and that is exactly what we encourage all Forward Times readers and subscribers to do: Pray for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee!
A fighter for justice!
A fighter for the people!
A fighter for all!
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