FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry introduced Monday he has been recognized with “late-stage” abdomen most cancers.
The longtime Summit Metropolis mayor introduced the prognosis throughout a media briefing outdoors the Mayor’s Workplace Monday afternoon.
“My initials scans have proven that the most cancers is at the moment spreading via my lymph nodes and to different organs in my physique,” Henry mentioned. “Due to that, my prognosis just isn’t good.”
Henry mentioned he plans to begin chemotherapy remedy subsequent week.
The information comes round one month after Henry’s spouse, Cindy, died following a prolonged battle with pancreatic most cancers.
Regardless of the announcement, Henry mentioned he plans to proceed working for the Metropolis of Fort Wayne and its residents.
“I even have confidence in my capacity to hold out my time period as your mayor for so long as God permits,” Henry mentioned.
Henry mentioned he plans to supply well being updates when doable, however he didn’t reply any questions after the media briefing.
Public Response
Following Henry’s announcement, political figures each inside and outdoors Fort Wayne expressed their help for Henry and his upcoming battle in opposition to most cancers.
“I’m heartsick to listen to of the Mayor’s prognosis, particularly after the travails he endured during the last yr along with his spouse’s passing,” mentioned Fort Wayne Metropolis Councilman Russ Jehl in a press release. “My prayers for the Mayor are renewed in earnest. I’ve full confidence within the Deputy Mayor and senior workers who’ve beforehand shouldered the additional load they are going to once more bear.”
“Prayers of peace and therapeutic for my good friend Mayor Tom Henry,” mentioned Columbia Metropolis Mayor Ryan Daniel on Fb.
“I prolong my heartfelt help to Mayor Tom Henry throughout this difficult time. His management has been invaluable to our group, and I’m grateful for his dedication to our metropolis,” mentioned Fort Wayne Metropolis Councilwoman Michelle Chambers in a press release. “As he embarks on his remedy journey, I stay optimistic that with remedy, religion, and the help of family members, he’ll overcome this impediment. My ideas are with him, and I imagine within the energy of therapeutic and resilience.”
“Tom Henry is powerful each bodily and mentally. He has been via an important deal prior to now yr, however he’s ready to proceed to steer our nice metropolis in 2024 and much past,” mentioned Fort Wayne Metropolis Councilman Geoff Paddock. “After I spoke with him, he was upbeat, jovial, and optimistic in regards to the future. He’s additionally surrounding himself along with his household and shut pals.”
You could find Paddock’s full assertion right here.
“As our metropolis nonetheless mourns the lack of esteemed First Woman, Cindy Henry, we had been surprised to listen to the information of Mayor Tom Henry’s most cancers prognosis,” mentioned Fort Wayne Metropolis Clerk Lana Keesling. “My coronary heart and prayers exit to him and the complete Henry household presently. Now’s the time to point out how our group pulls collectively and helps each other in occasions of want.”
“Mayor Henry has been a pillar of our group and our occasion for almost 4 a long time. The information immediately relating to his well being and the battle that he and his household now face is actually heartbreaking, however we all know that they are going to face it with the identical vigor that they’ve proven in preventing for everybody in Fort Wayne all through the years,” mentioned Christine Bohm, Indiana third District Democratic Celebration chairwoman – Huntington County. “The prayers of everybody within the Third District no matter politics are with the Henry household tonight and all through the approaching weeks and months as he faces this battle courageously.”
